I Shall Be a Father to You

March 19, 2013

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

By Beth DeCristofaro

I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. (2 Samuel 7:14)

The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. (Matthew 1:20, 24)

Piety

Gracious St Joseph, protect my family and all other families from danger, as you did protect the baby Jesus and His mother from the wrath of King Herod.  Pray for us, that we respect, love and care for each other in our family as you were with Mary and Jesus. Help us to be understanding and forgiving towards each other.  Most of all St Joseph, bring us closer to Jesus.  St Joseph, please pray for our family.  Amen.  (http://www.family-prayer.org/prayer-to-st-joseph.html)

Study

The commitment to be a father, to be a dad is enormous.  God committed to us!  How many Father figures have enriched your life?  We can imagine Joseph’s relationship with Jesus through our own. 

My retired Army Colonel Grandfather was rough, gruff and loud.  “Who dropped that toy behind her behind?” was a bellow that I hated to hear!  But his displeasure was short lived and I felt sheltered and special as he would quickly take me out to “help” in the flower beds.  My own Dad shared his spiritual journey, his joy of life and conveyed steadfast faith to his impatient, idealistic daughter.  There was “Pop” Martin, great-uncle, Benedictine Monk and teacher at my college.  He had the magical ability to show up and take a homesick student out to dinner.  He both comforted and challenged a budding adult.  He modeled hospitality and responsibility

Later, there were mentors who were father figures in the sense of Joseph teaching his craft to his foster son.  Dick, Vincent, Phil, Don and Brian were chaplains and clergy men who shared with me their deep love of God and their dedication to God’s children, shaping me into the chaplain that I am today.   And, of course, there is my husband whom I leaned on (sometimes pretty hard) as we raised our daughters.  He protected, provided direction, offered – and required – respect. He encouraged them to grow into the caring and socially aware women that they are today.

St. Joseph said “yes” to a daunting task.  His influence was surely instrumental in the shaping of the man that Jesus, our God, grew into.

Action

Who were the Joseph figures in your life?  To whom can you be Joseph today?