Today, 19 March, is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph…. I like to recall that beloved John Paull II was also very devoted to Saint Joseph, to whom he dedicated the Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos, Guardian of the Redeemer, and who surely experienced his assistance at the hour of death.
The figure of this great saint, even though remaining somewhat hidden, is of fundamental importance in his history of salvation. Above all, as part of the tribe of Judah, he united Jesus to the Davidic lineage so that, fulfilling the promises regarding the Messiah, the Son of the Virgin Mary may truly be called the “son of David”. The Gospel of Matthew highlights in a special way the Messianic prophecies which reached fulfillment through the role that Joseph played: the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (2:1-6); his journey through Egypt, where the Holy Family took refuge (2:13-15); the title, the “Nazarene” (2:22-23). In all of this he showed himself, like his spouse, Mary, an authentic heir of Abraham’s faith: faith in God, who guides the events of history according to his mysterious salvific plan. His greatness, like Mary ‘s, stands out even more because his mission was carried out in the humility and hiddenness of the house of Nazareth. Moreover, God himself, in the person of his Incarnate Son, chose this way and style of life --- humility and hiddenness --- in his earthly existence.
From the example of Saint Joseph we all receive a strong invitation to carry out with fidelity, simplicity, and modesty the task that Providence has entrusted to us. I think especially of fathers and mothers of families, and I pray that they will always be able to appreciate the beauty of a simple and industrious life, cultivating the conjugal relationship with care and fulfilling with enthusiasm the great and difficult educational mission.
To priests, who exercise a paternal role over Ecclesial Communities, may Saint Joseph help them love the Church with affection and complete dedication, and may he support consecrated persons in their joyous and faithful observance of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. May he protect workers throughout the world so that they contribute with their different professions to the progress of the whole of humanity, and may he help every Christian to fulfill God’s will confidence and love, thereby cooperating in the fulfillment of the work of salvation.
19 March 2006
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Excerpt from the Holiness is Always in Season – p. 73-74
REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS
Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II on the person and mission of Saint Joseph in the life of Christ and of the Church.
The Essential Books to get to know St. Joseph
Resources about St. Joseph
