Saint Joseph and the Visible Love of God

Sr. Margaret Kelly explains how Saint Joseph is a model for living evangelical simplicity.

Although St. Joseph seems invisible in the Gospels, he is most visible as the man in whom “Jesus saw the tender love of God” (Pope Francis, Patris Corde). Pope Benedict XVI wrote, St. Joseph's greatness is even more evident because his mission took place in humility, obscurity, faithfulness, simplicity, and modesty in of the house in Nazareth (Redemptoris Custos). The founder of my order, Blessed James Alberione, gave us five points for living evangelical simplicity: preserve, build, renounce, provide, and produce. St. Joseph models these for us. 

Preserve 

St. Joseph preserved faith in his family despite all the challenges they met.

The faith Christ taught us is what we see in Saint Joseph. He did not look for shortcuts, but confronted reality with open eyes and accepted personal responsibility for it. His attitude encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception. I like to think that it was from Saint Joseph that Jesus drew inspiration for the parable of the prodigal son and the merciful father (cf. Lk 15:11-32). (Patris Corde).  

I Paul, “urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another though love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:1-3a) 

Build 

In the simplicity of Bethlehem we are invited to witness a life unburdened. Blessed Alberione said, “everything begins from the poverty of Bethlehem.” Joseph was with Jesus as father, guardian, and beloved friend at work, in prayer, in suffering, in everyday life. Chosen by God to guide the beginnings of the history of redemption, he built up his environment with creative courage. He built up others through encouragement and as a witness to God’s fidelity. Joseph was a builder of the kingdom of God that his foster Son would reveal. 

“No one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’j For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:21) “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." (Luke 18:17) 

Renounce

Our reflective gaze on the Holy Family in Bethlehem inspires us to give everything to the Lord. Pope Francis writes,

Joseph is certainly not passively resigned, but courageously and firmly proactive. In our own lives, acceptance and welcome can be an expression of the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude. Only the Lord can give us the strength needed to accept life as it is, with all its contradictions, frustrations and disappointments. Just as God told Joseph: ‘Son of David, do not be afraid!’ (Mt 1:20), so he tell us: ‘Do not be afraid!’ We need to set aside all anger and disappointment, and to embrace the way things are, even when they do not turn out as we wish. Not with mere resignation but with hope and courage. (Patris Corde)

Saint John Paul II calls this renunciation a gift in the freedom of love. Freedom as mastery of oneself: to become a gift, to fully discover our true self in a sincere giving of self (John Paul II, 1980). 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)

Provide 

St. Joseph provided for the Holy Family and today provides for the Body of Christ, the Church.

Saint Joseph could not be other than the Guardian of the Church, for the Church is the continuation of the Body of Christ in history.” (Patris Corde)

Even in his poverty he produced fruits of love. Through prayer and trust he found ways to journey through dilemmas to keep Jesus and Mary safe. He did not hesitate to use his knowledge to find work that supported Jesus and Mary. Where there didn’t seem to be hope, St. Joseph put hope and provided hope. Jesus was a witness to Joseph’s trust in the unfailing Providence of God His Father.  

“How much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him?"(Matthew 7:11b)

Produce 

St. Joseph was not stingy. He didn’t do anything halfway. Jesus and Mary felt secure in his care. Blessed Alberione tells us he associated with Mary in her mission:

He prepared the eternal high priest. He prepared the host that we offer upon the altar. He worked for Jesus. He raised him.

Joseph produced fruits of goodness and kindness. Today we pray to St. Joseph for our families and for the Church asking him to help us produce fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  

“By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” (John 15:8) 

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Copyright 2024 Sr. Margaret Kerry, FSP
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