We live today in a world in which war, violence and hate are centre-stage. Thousands have been killed and millions of others are affected everywhere in different ways. Those suffering most are the poor and marginalised , those who live on the peripheries of our society, those who struggle daily to eke out a living, those who have nowhere to go!
It is significant that the Catholic Church celebrates today, the Solemnity of St Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church! St Joseph epitomized and radiated important values which the world so despertely needs today; among them are:
Justice: Scripture refers to Joseph, as a ‘just man’. From the moment, Mary was betrothed to him he was confronted with making several difficult decisions. Every decision of his would impact on Mary, Jesus, or both of them in a profound way. He did so with a sense of great responsibility, like the time he wanted to send Mary away quietly. The biblical ‘righteousness’ (justice). was his ‘forte’. Much needed today when injustice seems to be mainstreamed everywhere!
Openness: Joseph was an open and obedient person. He knew it was his duty to register himself and Mary when the census was being done. A reminder of our own responsibility in the ‘electoral process; to ensure that our names are on the electoral rolls and to challenge a corrupt Election Commission. Joseph wanted the best for Mary, There was ‘no place’ for them in the inn! (reminding us how we treat the ‘other’, refugees and migrants). He is open to make the manger his home
Sincerity: Lies and half-truths, myths and fake news dominate today. We are plagued daily with a torrent of misinformation, coming from paid propaganda units who work for those who attempt to control our lives and destinies. Insincerity, bribery, flattery, hypocrisy, fear and ‘diplomacy’ are in charge. Persons who are sincere and truthful, pay the price. We are all aware of this plain truth! Joseph was an upright man, who invites us to live lives of authenticity and sincerity, at all times.
Embracing: Joseph never hesitated to embrace others! He began by embracing Mary and Jesus unconditionally and fearlessly! He embraced the shepherds, the Magi, and the tortuous journey into Egypt. His embracing life meant that he was available for others, ready to accompany them. Today we exclude and kill the ‘other’ of a different religion or colour, the poor and the marginalized. Discriminating rather than embracing, has become our way of proceeding. Muslims and Christians are denigrated in India through hate speeches and with anti-Constitutional legislation
Protectiveness: “Protect us” is the relentless and desperate cry of the excluded and the exploited, the innocent and the vulnerable, the abused and the trafficked! Sadly, the trust that some of these children and vulnerable adults place on the powerful and wealthy is pathetically betrayed. The ‘Epstein Files’ reveal so much of these horrible stories, which make one to wince! Joseph, as the protector of Mary and Jesus and of the Church today, is more than a model to be imitated. He challenges each one of us, to become more like him in order to be a protector of the suffering, to heal festering wounds and painful memories, which are the lot of so many today!
Humility: It is surely not easy for a person who has been entrusted with a heavy responsibility, in which oftentimes, one does not have a decisive role. However, for Joseph, that did not matter. He encapsulated and radiated humility! Like Job, at times, he was patient and silent, waiting for God’s plan to unfold. Our world today is overwhelmed with a lust for power and unbridled arrogance. Joseph therefore comes to us as a beacon of strength and fearlessness, motivating us to become ‘meek and humble of heart’, like him, Mary and Jesus!
For our late Pope Francis (he began his pontificate on this day- the Feast of St Joseph in 2013) .St Joseph has always been very special in his life. He once said, “I would like to share with you something very personal. I like St Joseph very much. He is a man of strength and of silence. On my desk in my room, I have a statue of St Joseph sleeping. While sleeping he looks after the Church. Yes, he can do it! We know that. When I have a problem or a difficulty, I write on a piece of paper and I put it under his statue so he can dream about it. He now sleeps on a mattress of my notes. This means please pray to St Joseph for this problem. That is why I sleep well: it is the grace of God!”
St. Joseph was a Dreamer, a Discerner, and a Doer – always responding whole-heartedly to the will of God! He was a silent person: there is not a single word from him, that is recorded in Scripture. He demonstrated however, constructive servant- leadership and prophetic courage which our broken , battered , bruised world yearns for today. The world today also desperately needs selfless and inclusive persons( women and men) who like St. Joseph, are able to epitomize and radiate Justice, Openness, Sincerity, Embracing, Protectiveness, Humility! (JOSEPH)
Finding such persons today , is like looking for a needle in the haystack, a tall order in these present timea! But it is certainly possible and there is hope!
In his Apostolic Letter ‘Patris Corde’ (With a Father’s Heart) dated 8 December 2020, Pope Francis writes this prayer “Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you, Mary placed her trust; with you, Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen”.
We are called to make this prayer our own today! Above all, we are called to do our best and to become other ‘JOSEPHs’ in our world today!
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*(Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ, is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist & writer.
Contact: [email protected])
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(Kindly note: this is an edited, updated and contextualised version of an article previouly written by the same author!)