By Alay P, Sumon Antony & Jiran Kurian –
Joseph, a descendant of the David family (Lk 2:4-5), was a righteous man, engaged to Mary, but later decided to divorce her secretly (Lk 2:5; Mt 1:19). However, with an intervention of an angel, he married her (Mt 1:20-21). From that time, Joseph did everything as per the plan of God. Joseph was instrumental to happening God’s plans- their journey to Bethlehem, Jesus’ birth in a manger (Mt 1:24-25), their flight to Egypt (Mt 2:13-15), presentation of Jesus in the temple (Lk 2:22-24), and finding Jesus after the Passover festival (Lk 2:43-48). Joseph played a vital role in all these life-changing moments because he accepted God’s will to be done instead of holding on to the customs and practices.
Importance of St. Joseph’s Year in Catholic Church
The devotion to St. Joseph started in the 20th century in the church. In 1870, Bl. Pius IX declared St. Joseph as “Patron of the Catholic Church”; Ven. Pius XII as “Patron of Workers”; and St. John Paul II as “Guardian of the Redeemer.” St. Joseph universally invoked as the “Patron of a Happy Death.” (Francis, 2020). Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical Quamquam pluries in 1889, declaring St. Joseph as the Patron and Protector of the Universal Church. When Pope Benedict requested to remember St. Joseph’s name during holy mass, he raised St. Joseph to Mary in salvation history (Kaavalkkaran, 2021).
The Catholic church celebrates two feast days for St. Joseph: March 19 and May 1. March 19 is traditionally observed as Joseph’s feast day, while May 1 as Joseph, the Worker. To mark the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter named Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”). Pope describes St. Joseph as beloved, tender and loving, obedient, embracing, creatively courageous, and a working father, and a father in the shadows (Francis, 2020). Thus, he proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph.” The Holy Father, especially in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, says that ordinary people must imitate St. Joseph, the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and secret presence (Francis, 2020).
Influence of Holy Family on ‘New Gen’ Family
St. Joseph was a simple man who led an elementary life. He was a carpenter, Mary’s husband, and Jesus’ father (Jn 6:41-42; Mk 6:55; Lk 2:48). The sacred family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus has set a fine example for future generations on how a family should be. A family cannot be formed by a husband, a wife, or a child alone; at the very least, all three must be present. According to the LEÓN PP. XIII, St. Joseph was the head and defender of the holy family; he entirely fulfilled the position and his responsibility by dedicating himself with great love and daily solicitude to protect his wife and the divine child. In the miseries of their trip and the bitterness of exile, he was always there for mother Mary and Jesus as a companion, strength, and a guide. His family was everything to him; he lived for his family and did everything to protect them, influencing the “new Gen” family.
How Can St. Joseph Be An Inspiration?
Joseph appears few times in the Bible but leaves a footprint on all of us. He is a son, father, and a husband; a man of dreams, who sacrificed all his dreams to fulfill God’s will; and an exemplary for the next generation. Joseph showed us how to live a simple life. He describes the pain that every father goes through to raise his family. Within a short time, Joseph had a prominent role in the life of Jesus. He teaches us how to have a conversation with God, which can strengthen family relations.
St. Joseph sets his own life as an example for all of us – the way he cares loves his wife and son, and how he molds the family according to Lord’s will. He was a simple carpenter but dedicated his whole life to Mary and Jesus, and through his little earnings, he looked after his family. He teaches us that we can find satisfaction and happiness in everything we do and be thankful for what we are.
Yes, St Joseph is a true inspiration for today’s generations. There are many commitments in the new generation family: several chances of misunderstandings, various priorities, and many personal constraints. In all such typical situations, Josephs’ life encourages us to stay strong. His life gives the message of unconditional love and care. He is a guide for the younger generations on how one must care for a family. The way one is treated in his family is the main path that one follows in one’s entire life. St. Joseph is such a prominent personality who lights up the way to make our family a holy family. Thus, he stands as a beacon – a strong, sacrificing, loving father who inspires the whole generation. The faith, courage, and sense of St. Joseph guide us in all aspects of life. He is a patron for each one of us, and his life is a book that teaches immense qualities of life.
Bibliography:
- (2014). The Holy Bible (pp. 1-91). Bangalore: Theological Publications In India.
- (2021). In D. P. Kaviyil, & D. Olikkarott (Eds.), Kaavalkkaran (p. 18). Kannur, Kerala, India: Alpha Institute.
- Francis. (2020). Apostolic Letter Patris Corde Of the Holy Father Francis.
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