It is somewhat intriguing that the solemnity of St Joseph is celebrated in Lent. Upon reflecting on the Gospel record, I believe that it is not by accident that this solemnity is celebrated during Lent (19 March).
St. Joseph has proven to be a real model for us, during Lent. He is the contemplative, obedient, detached, chaste and humble character in the Holy Family, showing us a pathway to come closer to God. We have probably subscribed to several Lenten reflections, to help us make Lent more meaningful. However, St.Joseph teaches us unique lessons, which is not applicable just for Lent, but all throughout our life.
Learning from the Carpenter
Contemplation: the practice of intense silence through contemplation is first lessons we learn from him. The Angel appeared to St Joseph, upon waking up from the nightmare, it was a contemplative moment for him. It was In the moments of intense silence; he could further understand the plan of God. During our journey, not just in Lent, but rather throughout our life, it is crucial for us to break out from the noise, and spend time in contemplative prayer, listening and understanding God’s plan in our lives.
Detachment: He realised that at any cost he had to fulfil the plan of God. Hence he detached himself from the pleasures of the world, which caused him distractions. Whether it was his occupation or even the idle gossip around town, about his alleged pre-marital affair with Mary; he purely focussed only on – God – and played the crucial role of bringing Jesus into the world. That period was his own ‘Lent’. What is our level of detachment? How tough it is for us to detach from materialism, greed, anger, jealousy, spiritual pride?
Obedience: The most compelling challenge which stares at us is the choice of being obedient to God or being obedient to the world. Up to what level do we make this choice? St Joseph shows us that he had gone against all the odds, and remained obedient to God, despite the consequences. He committedly followed the Star (‘the Cross’). He gave up his own choice of taking refuge of “quietly” divorcing Mary and conformed to God’s choice by remaining obedient to Divine plan. The challenge for us is to remain obedient to God – even beyond Lent.
Chastity: Sacred Scripture and the Church affirms the Chastity of St Joseph, who even despite being married, remained chaste, as participation in the plan of salvation. Sometimes, even married men must practice temporary chastity. This could be when your spouse is not in the mood to indulge in intercourse, hence avoiding the sin of marital rape. Married men and women who are legally separated from their spouses are called to practice Chastity, until your marriage is resolved or annulled in the Church, hence avoiding the sin of adultery. Likewise, unmarried singles, couples in courtship, are also called to practice chastity, hence avoiding the sin of pre-marital sex.
Humility: The deepest desire of St. Joseph was Christ, he was far from being bothered about his self. He was more bothered about protecting and taking care of his family, though he knew that his role was temporary. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI rightly said, “For the sake of Christ, he experienced persecution, exile, and the poverty which this entails. He had to settle far from his native town. His only reward was to be with Christ.” To desire Christ, one must be humble, because it is only through humility, you can experience Christ – like St. Joseph.
Truly, St. Joseph was extremely devoted to God, but while being devoted to God, he went above and beyond his rituals, customs, and fashioned himself into being an exemplary man of God, of deep faith – yet giving an example to women as well. God, through His Church, has gifted us with a real role model for life, so we can follow Him, and reach closer to God.