The State of Your Heart

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. // Matthew 1:24

You probably already know this, but today marks the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. Perhaps like me, you’ll be shaping bread in the shape of a staff or hammer. Maybe you’ll be making an Italian feast or creating a Saint Joseph’s altar. Hopefully you'll have a chance to attend Mass or at least read a Biblical account of his life.

As Catholics, we often hear his name invoked to aid in buying or selling a house, in hopes for a new job, and for a holy and happy death. Coming from a non-Catholic upbringing, I paid little to no attention to this Saint the majority of my life. Seeing how little he appeared in the Gospels, I deduced Joseph was a lesser character with little for me to learn from. Wrong I was!

No words are recorded from Saint Joseph, and since he died prior to Jesus’ ministry beginning, stories are scarce as well. And yet, from the seeming silence, we can still obtain much.

From the promise made to King David in today’s first reading (1 Samuel 7), it’s clear Joseph was always a part of the plan, not an accidental pawn. However, he wasn't given a preview of the plan; he just acted when called.

Twice an angel appeared in life-altering dreams, and Joseph accepted what was asked. Jesus and Mary were the priority—without Saint Joseph’s listening and acting in obedience, the plan might have failed.

But all this was possible because of the state of his heart.

Saint Francis DeSales has a beautiful quote that says, “for as he was just, his will was always submissive, united, and conformed to that of God” (source).

And this is where we can learn from and emulate this great Saint. Take time to assess if you’re truly aligning your will to that of God. Are you attuned to the Holy Spirit prompting you? When God leads you into a new plan, do you willingly follow and obey?

Saint Joseph’s submission to the will of God and his love for those entrusted to him shines brighter than a lack of words spoken. Saint Joseph lived with the goal of love and was given the mission of protecting his Protector, providing for his Provider, and guarding his Messiah.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Saint Joseph lived with the goal of love. // Sarah OrtizClick to tweet

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