Let us reflect on a single point of the portrait of St Joseph given us in St Matthew’s gospel, his dreams. Four times he was prompted to action by God.
The first prompting, to take Mary as his wife, must have been the source of untold joy to him. When he was told that Our Lady was with child he had to suffer a time of anguish. What strength of character he showed, considering what might be best for Mary, and leaving his own interests aside. Out of respect for the mystery which confronted him he was preparing to repudiate the espousal: we can hardly imagine the pain involved in turning away form the purest of creatures.
Then came the warning to flee into Egypt. This was the great challenge to his trust in the providence of God, but since everyone knew the sort of person Herod was it can hardly have come as a particular surprise.
More comforting was the guidance he received on the death of Herod and the succession of Archelaus. Joseph was able to return to his own people, and resume the rhythm of the annual
pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
In all these events we are shown a man who was docile to the promptings of God’s messenger, submissive to the guidance, yet ready for determined and decisive action.
St Teresa of Avila had a great devotion to the glorious St Joseph, dedicating the convents she founded to him, so she is certainly one of those who have inspired the increasing devotion that is being paid to
him. The position he held as spouse of Our Blessed Lady and foster father of our Blessed Lord indicates that he was endowed by God with all the gifts of prudence and wisdom that such a calling required.
We invoke him now as Patron and Protector of the Universal Church. This title and function invites us to turn to him in our prayer for the Church, knowing that he is ever at the service of the entire plan of salvation, and that the love he showed to the Holy Child is now the heritage of every disciple.