THE FIGURE OF ST. JOSEPH

The personal responsibility I experienced seemed very little in comparison with St. Joseph’s responsibility which was very great.  I have to think about the small everyday things each day – always with the joy that characterised Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  I lived all this from the basis of faith – faith manifested in obedience to the divine will. 

I spontaneously think of what might have happened if someone had said to me: « Your wife is expecting a child which is not yours ».  This thought struck me forcibly and I became aware of the limitations of my mind compared to St. Joseph who was capable of understanding that if he welcomed the Son of God into his family, he would be collaborating in the salvation of the world.

I can say today that the family which St Joseph protected and defended so well, has to be, more than ever, the example and goal for us as lay people within the “Holy Family” especially nowadays when there seems such a lack of unity and fidelity, joy in children and serenity of relationships among the members, based on joy and happiness.

Today more than ever, we must follow the example of strength and moral solidity which St Joseph demonstrated as collaborator in the work of forming the perfect family existing in God from the very beginning.  We must always remember that the best of families is never free from suffering, misunderstanding and limitations and that Joseph did not exercise that absolute power of a father over a son that is characteristic of father-son relationships in the Old Testament.  Rather his role of father of our redeemer was based on total adherence to the will of the Father, on seeking always God alone in every moment and being the good and faithful servant who is ready to serve God in all things. 

I have tried to follow his loving example and his concern to defend Jesus and Mary from all dangers, to provide for them with the work of his hands and to be always respectful of the laws of God and of society.  

The holiness of his life in the ordinary day-to-day living should be for us lay people, an example of simplicity and generosity without ostentation.  Joseph was a faithful spouse and father, a treasure offered to us by the Lord and which we, as lay associates of the Holy Family must discover and emulate in our lives.