(First century) Today’s memorial is a solemnity, the highest liturgical celebration that marks a central mystery of our faith and moment in salvation history. In much of the universal Church, it is also a holy day of obligation. Joseph was a descendant of King David, a carpenter or stone worker by trade, a just man, the earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the adoptive father of Jesus, the protector of the Holy Family, and the receiver of angelic messages. Little is said of him in the gospels, but his actions speak volumes.
Pope Saint John Paul II reminds us in his apostolic exhortation, Redemptoris Custos, “The Gospels speak exclusively of what Joseph ‘did.’ Still, they allow us to discover in his ‘actions’ – shrouded in silence as they are – an aura of deep contemplation.” How can Saint Joseph be an inspiration for your recovery?
“Knowing by experience St. Joseph’s astonishing influence with God, I would wish to persuade everyone to honor him with particular devotion. I have always seen those who honored him in a special manner make progress in virtue, for this heavenly protector favors in a striking manner the spiritual advancement of souls who commend themselves to him” (Saint Teresa of Avila).
Reflection by Brad Farmer