23 Feb ST. Joseph: Foster Father of the Son of God
Posted at 22:55h
in SR&R w/ Fr. Mike
ST. Joseph: Foster Father of the Son of God
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To some, St Joseph may seem an enigma. His recorded words in scripture are none-yet the power and significance of his presence and role in the life of Jesus Christ cannot be measured. Perhaps he is the original “Quiet Man.”.
-The Scriptures are replete with examples of Jesus praying to his Heavenly Father. The Son of Man constantly prays throughout his life, and most powerfully from the cross: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. “ Yet there is no doubt that Saint Joseph’s significance in his life as a real earthly father was monumental. -
Perhaps his most powerful role was that of protector: for Mary, that she might safely deliver the child Jesus , and for both Mary and Jesus that the horror and threat of death from Herod might not come to pass. Joseph was truly a powerful protector and provider. Without him one wonders if Jesus would have survived the early years of his life.
It’s no secret that the “father wound” in our society today is not only extensive but sometimes even fatal, especially for those children whose fathers are not just physically absent but also emotionally absent, particularly at critical moments and times of a child’s life. The father wound can also be expressed buy a father who is very critical and not affirmative or supportive and even abusive. I have many times been present when a father of many years, with tears in his eyes, sometimes on his deathbed, has apologized to an adult son for his absence through decades of failed promises throughout the child’s life.
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I have also met and admired hundreds – if not thousands – of fathers who, at great sacrifice, have given a rich gift to their children: the gift of love through time shared together, talents affirmed and explored, and the rich treasure of faith that will be passed on for many generations in the family and beyond.
May we then, in this special year, dedicated to ST. JOSEPH, recognize and appreciate all fathers, especially in this day and age when being a father is such a difficult call – but a sacred gift as well. We also pray to ST. JOSEPH to intercede for us that the love of Jesus and the power of his gift of life may strengthen FATHERS everywhere to be all they can be, especially to the children who love them so much.