St. Joseph was privileged to provide the role of a human father as well as a model of manhood for our Lord – and for us, too. This “just man” was given the grace to be the spouse of our Lady, the foster father of our Lord, and the guardian of the Holy Family. No one, except the Blessed Mother, has greater intercessory power before God than the man the Son of God Himself was pleased to call “father” while here on earth.

But as we focus on his elevated state, we may forget that St. Joseph, too, had to pass through a passion of his own to secure his heavenly honor, consideration of which should inspire hope and courage for any man tasked with the duties of being a husband and father. It is in the very core of a man to want to provide for and protect his wife and family, and to feel he is secure in his abilities; it can be an excruciating trial when circumstance and personal limitations seem to prevent this.

But whereas we may succumb to dejection or throw in the towel when the trials seem endless, St. Joseph, manfully responds with such faith and trust in God. St. Joseph also teaches us how to remain in the presence of Jesus and Mary, which, in this life, will include its share of suffering, but, in the next, its share of glory.

How fitting it is that there are no recorded words of this just man in Scripture, from whom we learn that it is often the silent heroes, consistent and constant in all things God wills, who make the most noise in heaven. May St. Joseph pray for us all.

Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP, is the North American Superior for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, which is an international society of priests founded by Pope St. John Paul II in 1988 to preserve the liturgical traditions of the Church. In just under 30 years, they now number over 400 members, serving in over 200 locations around the world.

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