Go to Joseph

In the tapestry of Catholic theology, many saints stand out as sources of inspiration and devotion. The Doctors of the Church stand as pillars of knowledge, some others went on to establish schools and monasteries, while so many others lived simple lives of hidden holiness. However, there is only one saint who never spoke once in recorded history, never performed any miracles during his lifetime, and doesn’t have any stories written strictly about him. 

St. Joseph holds a unique and revered place, his importance extending beyond historical narratives to impact modern Catholic spirituality. Although Pope Francis dedicated a year to St. Joseph from January 2020- to December 2021, devotion to St. Joseph is never more needed than now. In the ever-evolving landscape of faith and spirituality. St. Joseph holds a profound relevance for the average Catholic in 2024. 

Silent Fiat of Joseph

In a society that often values individualism and self-promotion, St. Joseph's life embodies humility and obedience. While the Gospels may not provide extensive details about this Silent Saint, the significance of his presence is undeniable. Mary offered her fiat to the working of the Holy Spirit, but Joseph also offered a silent fiat to the will of God. 

I feel like Joseph’s fiat is significant. Unlike Mary, an angel didn’t manifest itself to Joseph to announce the coming Messiah. Matthew 1:20 says, “...behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’” When Joseph awoke from this dream he believed what the angel had revealed to him. 

I don’t hold much credence in my dreams, but Joseph accepted his role with grace, faithfully fulfilling the mission entrusted to him by God.

I think we fail to realize the significance of this acceptance. Joseph is just a man. He isn’t a miracle worker, he doesn’t have any special insight into the will of God, and he hasn’t been conceived without original sin, he’s just an ordinary carpenter. Simply put, Joseph is just an ordinary person like you or I. But he is a man of extraordinary faith and that is what sets him apart.

The Silent Guardian

While Joseph is given this extraordinary role, as the earthly father chosen by God to care for and protect Jesus and Mary, he plays an extraordinary role. It is so extraordinary that we don’t hear a single word about it. Fatherhood is so often like good leadership. A quote from Lao Tzu sums it up best, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

I am sure that there are thousands of instances where Joseph sacrificed and saved his family, but he knows that it doesn’t matter so long as his family is cared for. His identity as a humble carpenter highlights the sanctity of labor. St. Joseph reminds believers that their daily work, regardless of its nature, can be a source of sanctification and a means of contributing to the greater good.

St. Teresa of Avila's Devotion

One of the most notable figures in Catholic mysticism, St. Teresa of Avila, had a profound devotion to St. Joseph. For her, he was more than just a saint; he was a powerful intercessor and a guide in her spiritual journey. As the offspring of third-order Carmelites, I was entrenched in Carmelite spirituality. However, it never ceased to surprise me how often a devotion to St. Joseph was mentioned. But the wisdom of saints is beyond my simple faith. There is great wisdom in seeking Joseph as a patron.

St. Joseph's silent obedience to God's will and his role as a guardian and provider align with the Carmelite emphasis on contemplative silence and submission to divine guidance. It is so easy to submit to the will of God, but Joseph yields to God without even questioning it. St. Joseph is often regarded as a symbol of humility, simplicity, and fidelity. These qualities are highly valued in Carmelite spirituality, which emphasizes detachment from worldly concerns and a deepening union with God through prayer. Although these are qualities entrenched in Carmelite spirituality, it also applies to the average Catholic.

You can also find no better patron than St. Joseph. As the protector of the Holy Family, you could have no one better to pray and intercede for you than the one who protected the Messiah.

St. Teresa turned to St. Joseph in times of difficulty, seeking his assistance and guidance. In her autobiography, The Life of Teresa of Jesus, she wrote, "I do not remember that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant."

St. Teresa's reliance on St. Joseph as a guide in moments of difficulty is evident in her writings. She turned to him with trust, believing in his intercessory power. In a letter, she wrote, "I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I have great experience of the blessings which he can obtain from God."

Go to Joseph

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the importance of St. Joseph in Catholic theology remains undiminished. His silent strength, his role as a protector, and his humility make him a timeless figure. St. Joseph provides a source of comfort for those navigating personal difficulties and uncertainties. In moments of uncertainty, echoing the words of St. Teresa, we too can confidently say, "Go to Joseph."