Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Octave: St. Joseph, A 'Man’s Man', Calling Men to Jesus

In this age of the “anti-hero”, men should rediscover this true hero, this “man’s man” named Joseph. Then, we should learn his way of obedience, following his example by courageously, humbly and faithfully loving Jesus Christ.

By Deacon Keith A. Fournier
12/28/2008
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

We need to learn to give our “Yes” to the God whose Love invites our participation. Joseph is our teacher on this way, a true 'Man’s Man', calling all men to follow Jesus.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Catholic Online) - “Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary; of whom Jesus was born, he who is called Christ. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins”. When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." Matthew 1:16 – 24

From antiquity, Christians have cherished Joseph as a model of genuine manly virtue. Since the fourteenth century there has been a specific day set aside in the Roman calendar to honor him. He is viewed as the “Patron” of the universal Church, of all husbands and of social justice. He has also been designated as the patron of all workers. He was a simple Carpenter who taught the Word Incarnate, the Child Jesus, how to work with wood. This Joseph was the foster father of the Incarnate Word of God, the One of whom observers would later ask “Is not this the Carpenter’s son?” (Mt. 13:55) Joseph loved Jesus with a unique and exemplary love and played a unique and extraordinary role in the plan of salvation. This Jesus of Nazareth learned to work with wood from the hands of Joseph. During his 33rd year of life he saved the world working with wood, the wood of the Cross which became the altar of His Sacrifice.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 12:11 PM