INTRODUCTION 
FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS
St. Joseph, skilled and trusted craftsman of the town of Nazareth, was a faithful practicing Jewish man from the line of David. The Bible pays Joseph the highest compliment by calling him a “just man.” Matthew 1:19
By saying Joseph was “just,” the Bible means that he was one who was completely open to all that God wanted him to do and did it faithfully.
Joseph, betrothed to Mary, faced with Mary pregnant during engagement period and not by him had to hurt him severely. Joseph didn’t want to out Mary publicly to charge of adultery. Joseph planned to separate from Mary “quietly” because he was “a righteous man, unwilling to expose her to shame” Matthew 1:19.
When it was time for his wife to give birth, Joseph could not find an Inn but was forced into a shelter for animals.
DO WE GOSSIP ABOUT THE SINS OF OTHERS?
DO WE HAVE A PLACE FOR JESUS IN OUR INN?
WHAT HELP DO WE GIVE TO SHELTER THE HOMELESS?
When King Herod threatened their infant son. Joseph and the Holy Family had to flee in total uncertainty to a foreign land. Joseph trusted in God that he and his family would be cared for.
FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
DO WE TRUST IN GOD IN PERIL?
After Herod’s death Joseph safely returned Mary and Jesus to Nazareth. Matthew 2:13-16
JOSEPH AND MARY FIND JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
On a Passover trip in Jerusalem, Jesus got separated from Mary and Joseph. After three days, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple listening and teaching. They brought Jesus home to Nazareth, where Jesus grew in wisdom and grace and obedience to earthly parents. Luke 2:41
“And Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them” Luke, 2:51. As head of the Holy Family, Joseph was protector, counselor, and consoler of the Holy Family in every need. St. Joseph is intercessor and patron saint of families.
There was an intimate union of heart and mind among the members of the Holy Family. Jesus chose to fulfill all the duties of a faithful Son.
Mary showed all the signs of respect and love of a devoted wife. St. Joseph cherished all the experiences common to family life and provider through his carpentry skills. Work has dignity,
HOW DO WE DEAL WITH SEPARATION OF LOVED ONES?
DO WE NEED TO CONTACT SOMEONE THAT WE HAVEN’T FOR A LONG TIME
HOW ARE WE LIKE JOSEPH?
In this hidden life of Jesus, we see the beginnings of his obedience to his spiritual and human father. This obedience wipes out the disobedience of Adam. As the disobedience of Adam brought about death, the obedience of the New Adam, Jesus, brings life, eternal life.
God the Father plants His Son in this most perfect Holy Family that will ready Him for His mission. As the old saying goes, “Bloom where you are planted.”
TODAY WE LIVE IN CULTURE OFDEATH. DO WE CHOOSE LIFE OR DEATH?
DO WE CHOOSE LIGHT OR DARKNESS?
DO WE DISOBEY LIKE ADAM OR OBEY LIKE JESUS, THY WILL BE DONE?
PATRON SAINT OF A HAPPY DEATH
We do not know when Joseph died but there is no mention of him during Jesus’ public ministry Is it any wonder that the Church declared Joseph the patron saint of a happy death? Joseph died in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Jesus and His mother Mary were not only supporters and consolers who supported Joseph’s frail body, but also provided powerful, soothing graces that refreshed the heart and soul of the dying Saint. St. Joseph can help us at our time of death by reminding us not to fear death but to rest in the arms and support of the Holy Family!
PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH
O glorious St. Joseph, Saint of the workbench, skilled and trusted craftsman…Cheerfully toiling side by side with Jesus, Teach us to value lives of hidden splendor.
We implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining for us from your Divine son all spiritual blessings, particularly the grace of a happy death.
O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen.
SAINT JOSEPH PRAY FOR US