Solemnity of St. Joseph - March 19

 2 Samuel 7:4-5a,12-14a Romans 4:13,16-18 Matthew 1:16,18-21

Today we commemorate the feast day of Saint Joseph, one of our most beloved saints in America and around the world. Saint Joseph, Missouri was founded in 1845 by a French Catholic fur trader named Joseph Robidoux to honor Saint Joseph. The city’s first church was the Church of St. Joseph. The present-day diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph was formed in 1956. Saint Joseph was named as our diocesan patron saint. Yet there are only seven short references in the New Testament to Saint Joseph, mostly in the gospel of Luke.

We may not know much about the life of Saint Joseph, but one thing that is very clear from the Gospels; Joseph put his absolute trust in God and his plan for the Holy Family. In today’s gospel from Matthew, Joseph, being betrothed to Mary, finds her with child through the Holy Spirit. He contemplates divorcing her quietly but the angel of the Lord visits him in a dream. When he awakens, he follows the will of the Lord and takes Mary into his home. Joseph was willing to cooperate with God’s divine plan. Like Mary at the Annunciation, he trusted and let himself be led. In contrast, not uncommonly, I find it difficult to fully trust in the Lord and his plan for myself and my family. We can all learn to trust in God and his plan for us from the examples of Saint Joseph. 

St. Joseph is the patron saint of families, and now, in our times, is the perfect role model for Catholic husbands and fathers. I strongly recommend membership in the Knights of Columbus to all Catholic men (18 years and older). Being a member has helped me be a better husband and father and learn to surrender to God’s plan and wisdom.

Q: What part of St. Joseph’s life speaks to me most? What can I learn from him?

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