Joseph and Mary were betrothed to each other. Joseph loved Mary with his whole being. It was indeed a heavenly day when their betrothal was made. Yet, as time went on, it became apparent that Mary was with child and Joseph had not had relations of any kind with her.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul gives us insight into what surely describes Joseph’s dilemma:

For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he might instruct him? (1 Cor. 2:16)

But, the sensual man does not perceive the things that are of the Spirit of God, for it is foolishness to him and he cannot understand, because it is examined spiritually. (1 Cor. 2:14)

It was by a dream, given Joseph by God, that Joseph came to understand that Mary carried in her womb the Redeemer of ALL the universe. That she indeed had been “over-shadowed” by the Holy Spirit, impregnated with the divine presence of God in the Second Person, Emmanuel (God with us) as foretold down through the ages from the prophets.

A mere man is transformed into pure holiness and obedience from the deepest places of his soul and God has a hero for the ages!

This revelation stopped Joseph from moving forward with a quiet divorce and opened a spiritual and holy relationship between God the Father and Joseph that would not be experienced by any other mortal man on earth. A unique experience as God shows Joseph that which he is called to. Joseph would be the GUARDIAN and PROTECTOR of God’s own Son and Mary the spotless new Ark of the Covenant. God fortified Joseph in a way unlike any other human being to handle this calling and to move in total faith and trust with God. This therefore, united him uniquely with Mary in faith, as Joseph too submits himself totally to the will of God and His plan.

Saint Joseph was given the awesome privilege of seeing with his eyes and holding in him arms, the Christ Child, at whose birth all of creation bowed!

How many of us today would answer God’s call to us to follow a particular path not of our choosing much less even thinking that God would call us at all?

Have you considered that living as a family is indeed a similar calling?

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of families, whom we call upon to protect our family much as he was called upon to protect the Holy Family.

Go to this hero from yesteryear and who is present to us from heaven today with confidence!

If you implore his help, he will intercede for you in ways beyond what your mortal mind can phantom. Take time at the Christmas meal to implore his aid all year and bless your family to his care.

Give thanks to God our Father for taking what the world deemed impossible and making it possible!

Jesus would call this great saint, Dad!

Believe in the love and power of the great saint who was chosen from the ages to care for the Savior, and who shares eternal love with his son before the Beatific Vision.

Novena to St. Joseph

O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to thee do we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining

from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor we now implore (state your petition).

O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.

(Then say the following seven times in honor of the seven sorrows and joys of St. Joseph.)

V. O Glorious St. Joseph! Through thy love for Jesus Christ and for the glory of His Name,

R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.

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