WHAT MAKES A MAN an ideal father? He who gives his children everything they ask for?
The one who provides a multi-million mansion, drives a luxury car and takes his family lavish vacations?
Rather, a good father is one who believes in and loves God; loves and respects his children and their mother; safeguards them from danger; and helps his children grow in living a moral and faith filled life through his example. He loves his children unconditionally and therefore is consistent in helping them to become their best selves by saying “No” when needed; is patient, compassionate, present to his family and acts with integrity.
Does such a man exist? St. Joseph lived all these qualities and more. As a carpenter, he provided and cared for the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus, the Son of God. We celebrate twice each year, March 19 (feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary) and May 1 (feast of St. Joseph the Worker). If we consider the qualities of a good father, we easily see how they apply to St. Joseph. An observant Jew, he believed in God and loved him with all his heart, “Joseph her husband, … was a righteous man,” (Mt. 1:19) He was obedient to God, at times without understanding the ramifications of the request.
When God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream telling him to take Mary into his home as his wife even though she was pregnant and he knew he was not the father, “… he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” Later, after the birth of Jesus, when King Herod was searching for the baby to murder him, God again sent an angel to Joseph in a dream telling him “… Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
How would we feel if we were woken from a sound sleep and told to “Get up immediately and travel to a foreign country?” Would we want further information and reassurances for our safety? Whatever our response, we see that “Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.” (Mt. 2:14)
No questions or guarantees requested or given, just obedience.
According to Torah requirements, able-bodied males were expected to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem three times a year for Passover ( Ex.12:1-28); Pentecost (Lev. 23:15-21, Deut. 16:9-12); and Feast of Booths (Lev. 23:33-43, Deut.16:13-15). Joseph fulfilled these requirements, with Mary and Jesus accompanying him. During one of these pilgrimages, when Jesus was 12 years old, he remained behind in the Temple for three days while his parents frantically searched for him. (Lk. 2: 42 – 43, 48) Upon finding him, Mary his mother said to him: “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” (Lk. 2: 48)
Perhaps we have heard or said: “Words are cheap,” “Don’t just say it, prove it,” “Actions speak louder than words.” While the Bible does not record a single word St. Joseph said, his actions speak loudly of his love for God and his family, his trustworthiness in raising the Son of God and his obedience to God’s plan.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.
■ Read Scripture references about Joseph and share how you see him obeying God.
■ Find online sources for special crafts, stories and foods to celebrate St. Joseph’s feast day. A good starting site is: thekennedyadventures.com/celebrate-saint-joseph/