Not Your Average Joe

My mom has a devotion to Saint Joseph.

Over the years when I was frustrated about dating, my vocation or my desire to find a better job, she would always point me toward a Saint Joseph novena. Having a terrible track record of completing novenas, I prayed this one last winter. Not every situation immediately resolved itself, but it deepened a friendship for me with this simple man who was tasked with the role of raising the Son of God.

Scripture does not tell us anything about his past before his engagement to Mary, only that he was a just man. We know his profession was carpentry. We also know he wrestled with the news of Mary's unique pregnancy because an angel appeared to him in a dream affirming the path of marriage and life to Our Lady. We don't know what was Joseph like as an individual, his likes or dislikes or his personality. What was he like as a father, husband, and friend?

But one thing we know for sure: Joseph was called to radical trust just as Mary was. Both were told life-altering news that shifted more than their personal lives. Neither of them were given a detailed blue print of the story of their lives. Both were called to trust God in that specific moment. Isn't that how God works in our lives sometimes?

We do not always know where the journey will take us; the twists and turns along the way, but we are invited into radical trust just like Our Lady and Saint Joseph. Sometimes that feels easy and light, other times it feels difficult and confusing.

The Church offers us today to honor the life of Saint Joseph. Let us ask him to intercede for us, our intentions, and help us model radical trust just as he did.

Joseph was called to radical trust just as Mary was. // @amoderngraceClick to tweet

Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us! Start this novena my mom loved today.

Patty Breen is a full-time lay minister who finds joy in running, strong cups of coffee, and all things Ignatian spirituality. A Midwestern gal from the mitten state, she is constantly learning to find grace in all things. She is passionate about ministry, writing, a great lipstick color, and smiling is her favorite. Find out more about her here.