In honor of the day

As I celebrated the Mass for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary this morning, I became very aware of a powerful reality as I spoke the words of consecration.

At Bethlehem, Joseph must have helped deliver Jesus, receiving him into his hands. As a priest, in a similar way, I, too, receive Jesus in my hands, as he comes not from the womb but from his throne in heaven. What a great joy this is!

I think Joseph has much to teach us about Lent and for this reason his Solemnity falling just before the start of Holy Week is rather providential.

Joseph’s name means an “increase of faith.” If we consider his life, we can see that Joseph’s faith must have been continually increasing. How?

In the few times that Joseph appears in the Gospels he says not one word. He is silent before the Divine Majesty, listening always and doing always as “the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matthew 1:24).

As we prepare to celebrate the Easter feasts let us imitate this holy man, this “just man, that wise and loyal servant” and remain silent before the Lord (Preface for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary).

By following the example of Saint Joseph may our faith also increase.