Solemnity of Saint Joseph

“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” -Matthew 1:18-24

The Lord once gave me a glimpse into Saint Joseph's life. I was shown that early on, Joseph endured heartache much like Job's. And like Job, he remained faithful to the Lord, knowing that his silent suffering drew him closer to God.

Joseph suffered with faith and love for God, and through the years, this suffering built spiritual strength like no other.  Just as it is with a strong man, who criminals fear because of his muscle, so it is with demons. When they see Joseph's spiritual strength, they flee in terror before him.

Joseph endured his suffering for decades until, one day, he saw Mary. At that moment, he knew the purpose of his life and that everything that came before was a blessed gift. Joseph became the first man to consecrate his heart entirely to Mary. He never intended for his marriage to her to be a traditional bond. Joseph finally knew why the Lord made him; he found his purpose. The Lord formed Saint Joseph, the Terror of Demons, to love and protect Mary and Jesus.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

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Jesus, I trust in you!