S1 E7: Go to St Joseph

Listen To This Episode

About This Episode

In this episode, we discuss a saint who is particularly beloved by both of us: St Joseph. Although he is easily forgotten due to his lack of speech in Scripture, we share reasons for having a great devotion to St Joseph, such as his courage in the face of Our Lady’s unexpected pregnancy, his dedication to work, his obedience to God, and how fruitful prayers to him are known to be. We also consider how loving St Joseph can help us to in turn love Jesus more.

Quote

“The Son of the Almighty came into our world in a state of great vulnerability. He needed to be defended, protected, cared for and raised by Joseph. God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him someone who would not only save her life, but would always provide for her and her child.”

(Pope Francis – Patris Corde)

Final Thought – CCC 532

Jesus’ obedience to his mother and legal father fulfills the fourth commandment perfectly and was the temporal image of his filial obedience to his Father in heaven. The everyday obedience of Jesus to Joseph and Mary both announced and anticipated the obedience of Holy Thursday: “Not my will. . .” The obedience of Christ in the daily routine of his hidden life was already inaugurating his work of restoring what the disobedience of Adam had destroyed.

Questions for Reflection

1. St Joseph was obedient to the plan of God, even when he couldn’t understand it. How is God asking you to be obedient to Him in your own life?
2. St Joseph was courageous and proactive in doing God’s will. How might God be asking you to be less passive and more proactive?
3. The Holy Family spent some time as migrants in a foreign land. What can you do to help those forced to leave their native country because of war, poverty, or persecution?
4. St Joseph willingly accepted a role in the background. Do you think God calls you to be someone in the background supporting others, or does He call you to lead the way? How are you living out that call?