“I just finished a thirty-day novena to Saint Joseph, and it was amazing,” she gushed. I smiled and thought, Wow, that’s impressive considering I’ve started numerous nine-day novenas and only recall completing one. I’d never finish a whole month.

Yet, something inside me stirred . . . there was a tug to pray this novena to Saint Joseph. I ignored it, but Saint Joseph kept popping up in my life—a holy card found on my desk, his icon on a prayer table, and my assigned devotion today—all pointed to Saint Joseph. He was calling me.

My heart has been heavy with special intentions, but in today’s Gospel, Saint Joseph is showing me how to handle them. His world was turned upside down when he found out Mary was with child and he knew the baby wasn’t his. I can only imagine the pain of betrayal he felt!

Yet, Joseph’s love for Mary prevented him from publicly shaming her, so he planned to divorce her quietly. However, when God revealed the truth of the situation, he obeyed God’s command and took on the responsibility of caring for Mary and Jesus. As we read further in Scripture, this was not the first time he would face difficult situations.

Unlike Mary and Jesus, Saint Joseph was not born without sin. He was human and had to fight his demons, conquer his vices, and strive to live righteously before God.

That is the attitude I want to have. When circumstances seem grim, when I feel betrayed by a friend, or when I can’t understand the workings of God, I can still choose to trust in the Father and know that He will always be there to guide me. Like Joseph, I can strive to live an upright and holy life, despite my weakness or human failings.

It is also comforting to know Saint Joseph is in Heaven, a known protector, who is ready and waiting to pray and intercede for me.

Saint Joseph, most strong and faithful, pray for us.

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