Fears and Tears

This past Friday, was the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the year dedicated to St. Joseph in the Church. It was a great day of celebration, and I prayed a novena in advance to prepare for the day, which drew my thoughts and intentions to this strong, silent and holy saint.

I attended Mass that morning before work. I made the trip to the neighboring church where my husband is assigned, so we could be together at the same Mass. It was beautiful, and Father celebrated Mass at the side altar of St. Joseph, with my husband assisting as Deacon. I felt a great joy in my heart, and it was a wonderful start to the day.

It was the oasis in the desert, in this time of Lent, a day of green pastures and flowing waters, a day to ponder on the hidden life of Saint Joseph.

He is a faithful man of God who is the great protector of Mary and Jesus, as husband to Mary, and earthly Father to Jesus. A man of great action, who trusted God in all circumstances, because nothing is impossible with God. He models his vocation, and is a great example for the family.

I am thankful for the men in my life; my grandfathers, father, husband, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends. I can see God’s grace working in them, my heroes; they are veterans, farmers, truck drivers, laborers; with hearts to serve. They all have special gifts and I feel my life has been greatly blessed by them.

Their example shines the light on my vocation as daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend; to be faithful and honest, to serve with purpose and great love, to have a quiet strength, to persevere in life’s difficulties with great courage and to face what the day brings. To be joyful and content, with my eyes fixed on my Heavenly Father, following Jesus, my heart open to the Holy Spirit; and I ponder the quiet strength of the men in my life and it brings me peace.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Let us allow ourselves to be ‘infected’ by St. Joseph’s silence. We need it greatly, in a world that is often too noisy, that does not favor meditation or listening to the voice of God. Pope Benedict XVI