This year is not like any other. Despite all the unfolding events of the pandemic, there has been time for God’s action, especially when talking about St. Joseph. Early on, I had the opportunity to be surrounded by many faithful people who devoutly read one of the best sellers on Catholic devotion, namely, “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” by Father Donald Calloway. As many were commenting on their experiences, I was very excited to buy a copy of this book for me. That resulted in one of the best acquisitions in my spiritual life as I was profoundly inspired and touched by the life of St. Joseph. Fr. Donald Calloway “hit the spot” by offering such a prayerful and very enlightening contribution in line with the Pope’s announcement on the year of St. Joseph. I felt very motivated to know more about St. Joseph and his role in the history of Salvation.
After a meticulous and prayerful reading, I was able to consecrate myself to St. Joseph on May 1st, on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. During my reading, many questions popped into my mind concerning St. Joseph’s crucial role both in the History of Salvation and in today’s world; what is the real meaning of manhood, and how distorted this conception has become over time? What does St. Joseph teach us about the meaning of fatherhood? What does it mean to be a husband? And how does St. Joseph illustrate the fulfillment of our common vocation to Holiness? Even though these questions can be as complex as we want, I think St. Joseph’s figure and mission offer a neat reference point to grasp suitable answers. Thus, I would like to point out three outstanding features of St. Joseph that may help us grow in our journey of faith.
First, St. Joseph is the authentic model of what it means to be a man. It is worth mentioning that Joseph is an active part of Mary’s raising of Jesus as a man. Moreover, some authors may claim that Jesus’ personality is strongly grounded in St. Joseph, his foster father. The way Jesus speaks, the way he loves, the way he teaches, his sensitivity and awareness of people’s needs, the social skills that mark a gentleman, and more importantly, the genuine and chaste love that he offered to everyone are some special features that can be attributed to St. Joseph. Jesus’ human maturity as a man throughout his entire life can nicely be connected to St. Joseph.
A second feature I would like to bring up is the beautiful imagery of St. Joseph, “the sleeper.” Such a striking picture underscores the needed balance between work and rest. As an industrious and diligent craftsman, St. Joseph dominated the art of work, but he also knew when and how to rest. St. Joseph teaches us that the dignity of work is intimately rooted in the relationship between work and leisure. St. Joseph blesses our night rest and makes it a sacred time in offering to God. In tune, he is also the patron of a Happy Death as he leads us to a holy and blessed eternal rest.
Finally, St. Joseph is well known as the protector of the Church and the terror of demons. His role in the Church is unmistakably essential in our quest for Holiness and perfection. Even though quiet and unnoticed, St. Joseph’s cooperative presence in the Church has the power to enlighten our hearts amid frightening darkness and confusion. May St. Joseph enkindle our hearts with the fire of his chaste, prudent, loving, and most venerable heart. May he also help us resemble the authentic meaning of being a man, a father, and a husband in the world. Amen!
Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz
Latest posts by Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz (see all)
- Unworthiness, Joy, and Gratitude - May 2, 2023
- Light Coming Through the Darkness - April 4, 2023
- Man’s Creation: God’s Act of Love - February 7, 2023
