In this special year, which Pope Francis has asked us to dedicate to St. Joseph, the Holy Father has said, “As we read the infancy narratives of the Gospels … a superficial reading can often give the impression that the world is at the mercy of the strong and mighty.”
Isn’t it true that we can feel this way in our own lives, like God is not in charge, like our lives are in the hands of “experts,” authorities, or forces we cannot control or even influence? These tendencies were present in our society before the pandemic, but the long months of enforced isolation and emergency orders have only increased these feelings for many of us.
In the life of St. Joseph we see that even in the violence and chaos of the events, God continues to work for the world’s salvation. And for our salvation, too.
The Holy Father writes, “Our lives may at times seem to be at the mercy of the powerful, but God always finds a way to save us, provided we show the same creative courage as the carpenter of Nazareth, who was able to turn a problem into a possibility by trusting always in divine providence.” Let us grow in trust that God is the key to living with hope – and without fear. Let us try to live as St. Joseph lived, with love for Jesus and Mary, and with the intention to do the will of God in everything. If at times, like St. Joseph, we do not fully understand what is being asked of us, let us remain open to God’s working in our lives, and know He will give us the courage to do what the moment demands.
We pray. “St. Joseph, collaborator in God’s project for humanity, your tenderness enfolds the Church. Just as Mary and Jesus recognized in you the protection of the Father, so too does the community of faith today place itself under your protection. Strengthen us with the Spirit that filled your home in Nazareth and guide our footsteps on the road to the Kingdom. Accompany us in carrying out our mission. Help us to be lights in the world so that the family of God may always live the Good News. Grant us the strength to imitate God’s preference for the poor and the weak. Guide us in our activities so that our actions may always be modeled on the Gospel. Through your help and in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
