Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The joys and sorrows of St. Joseph form the subject of this week’s article relying greatly on the book Consecration to St. Joseph (Donald J. Calloway, MIC, 2020). Just as Our Lady had many joys and sorrows, St. Joseph participated most closely in the lives of Jesus and Mary in the work of redemption.
Consider how the angel of the Lord appeared to St. Joseph to announce that he would be the guardian of the Redeemer. He was given naming rights for the Christ child. He was the first (after Our Lady) to see God in the flesh in the cave of Bethlehem. It was St. Joseph’s privilege to name Jesus at His circumcision. St. Joseph accompanied Mary into the temple in Jerusalem with a joy that is unimaginable.
St. Joseph also endured many sorrows in his chosen role. He heard the priest Simeon’s prophecy that the Christ would suffer and that his Wife’s heart would be pierced. He protected the Child from the blood-thirsty Herod who sought to destroy Jesus in His infancy as the holy family fled to Egypt. He searched sorrowing for the adolescent Christ when He was lost for three days before finding Him in the temple.
St. Joseph understands the delights and sufferings that accompany a disciple of Jesus Christ. No man was closer to Jesus than St. Joseph. Our Lord is a sign of contradiction; He is the cause of the rise and the fall of many. As Our Lord’s disciples will also experience joys and sorrows. Take great confidence in St. Joseph and pray to him that he may accompany, console, and inspire us on the road that leads to eternal life.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 