This post is about St. Joseph. In my humble opinion, (IMHO for all you acronym-crazy writers) St. Joseph is the definition of the most perfect spouse ever.
In the bible he is described as a "just man." That term may not seem to adequately describe his utter holiness, his devotion to Mary the Mother of God, and his complete faithfulness to his guardianship over the Child Jesus. Inf fact, that term is defined as a person who lives by faith, prays through all things, and seeks to do good in every one of life's circumstances. St. Joseph did all this perfectly.
St. Joseph was a simple carpenter, specially chosen by God to be the foster father of Christ, the Son of God. He was of royal blood, descended of the house of David, the greatest king of Israel. He was remarkable for his complete obedience to the will of God. One of the most beautiful examples of his obedience is this:
After the birth of Jesus Christ, an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told his to rise, take his family, and flee to Egypt. Without question, Joseph did as the angel commanded. Can you imagine that kind of obedience? He left everything, his job, his home, his native land, to take his family to a completely foreign land in order to raise the Child in safety. There he remained, with Mary and Jesus, until another angel came to him and told him it was safe to return.
St. Joseph had the remarkable privilege of dying in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Not only was he allowed to die before Christ's death on the cross in order that he might be spared the agony of seeing his foster Son die the death of a common criminal, but he was allowed to die that he might not in any way hinder God's plan for our redemption. Really, could you imagine that, if Joseph had been alive at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, he would have stood aside and let the soldiers take him? Not he! I can visualize him throwing aside the guards, roaring into the courtyard to face off the Sanhedrin, protecting his Jesus with his carpenter hands, carpenter strength, with his very life. But Christ was born to die. So St. Joseph died first, in the arms of his Son. He is invoked as the Patron of a Holy, Happy Death.
Here is also the patron of:
After the birth of Jesus Christ, an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told his to rise, take his family, and flee to Egypt. Without question, Joseph did as the angel commanded. Can you imagine that kind of obedience? He left everything, his job, his home, his native land, to take his family to a completely foreign land in order to raise the Child in safety. There he remained, with Mary and Jesus, until another angel came to him and told him it was safe to return.
St. Joseph had the remarkable privilege of dying in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Not only was he allowed to die before Christ's death on the cross in order that he might be spared the agony of seeing his foster Son die the death of a common criminal, but he was allowed to die that he might not in any way hinder God's plan for our redemption. Really, could you imagine that, if Joseph had been alive at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, he would have stood aside and let the soldiers take him? Not he! I can visualize him throwing aside the guards, roaring into the courtyard to face off the Sanhedrin, protecting his Jesus with his carpenter hands, carpenter strength, with his very life. But Christ was born to die. So St. Joseph died first, in the arms of his Son. He is invoked as the Patron of a Holy, Happy Death.
Here is also the patron of:
- The Universal Church.
- Fathers
- Those in doubt
- Cabinetmakers
- Carpenters
- Travellers
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH
To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we have recourse in our tribulation. And having implored the help of thy thrice holy spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage, also. By that charity, wherewith thou wast united to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and by that fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou wouldst look down with gracious assistance upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by His blood, and will assist us in our need by thy power and strength.
Most watchful guardian of the holy family, protect the chosen people of Jesus Christ. Keep far from us, most loving father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this our conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the supreme peril of His life, so now defend God's holy church from the snares of the enemy, and from all adversity. Keep us one and all under thy continual protection, that following thine example, and strengthened by thy help, we may be enabled to lead a holy life, die a happy death, and come at last to the possession of everlasting blessedness in heaven. Amen.
