Saint Joseph

The Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Joseph! A beautiful feast to celebrate during this Lenten Time. When I was in the seminary the Benedictine monks would celebrate patronal feast days because their names in religious life were from saints. That made me think about celebrating my patronal feast which happens to be Saint Joseph. My middle name is Joseph so I have always had a special connection to the great saint that we celebrate today. In fact, Saint Joseph is honored with two feast days, March 19 and May 1, which is the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. As the commentary to today reads, "Joseph the just man, descended from the house of David, inserts Jesus into the line of David. Like his Old Testament counterpart, Joseph's faithful disponibility extended even to his dreams. Joseph took Mary into his home as his wife, and loved her with a love beyond all human limits. 'Joseph looked on the Blessed Virgin Mary as the high priest looks on the Holy of holies' (Jacob of Serug). As a true father, Joseph gave Jesus his name, and rescued his infant Son from the murderous designs of King Herod. Saint Joseph's silent obedience resounds in the Church he protects" (Magnificat, 283-84). A beautiful example for all of us. We thank God for the beautiful model of Saint Joseph and pray that he will continue to intercede for us all! Have a blessed feast day!!!