Guardian of Christ: St. Joseph’s Faithful Journey- Mar 19 – Homily – Fr Joseph M.

 

Fr Joseph M. gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 19, 2025, highlighting his role as the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, emphasizing his virtues, his importance in Catholic tradition, and how the faithful can learn from his example.

Father celebrates the Solemnity of St. Joseph during Lent, emphasizing the renewed joy this feast brings. He highlights Joseph's unique role as the spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus, chosen by God for his integrity and holiness. Though Joseph never speaks in the Gospels (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:4-5), his actions reveal his commitment to God's will and his contemplative interior life.
Father explains that Joseph never doubted Mary's integrity when she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. When Joseph considered divorcing her quietly (Matthew 1:19), an angel reassured him in a dream not to fear taking Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20). This demonstrates Joseph's humility and obedience to divine guidance.
Father presents Joseph as a spiritual foster father for all believers, helping us grow closer to Jesus and Mary. He emphasizes Joseph's role as a model of obedience, humility, and perfect fulfillment of God's plan, encouraging listeners to seek his intercession for their vocations.
Father mentions traditions supported by saints like Bernardino of Siena and Francis de Sales regarding Joseph's possible assumption into heaven, while acknowledging that the Church has made no definitive statement on this matter, unlike Mary's Assumption (CCC 966).
Father cites St. Teresa of Avila, who attributed her contemplative prayer life to St. Joseph's example. He concludes by referencing the Litany of St. Joseph, which enumerates his titles and virtues, and encourages devotion to him as a spiritual guardian who helps keep Christ and Mary foremost in believers' hearts and lives.

For Further Reading:
Matthew 1:18-25 - NAB - Joseph accepts Jesus as his son - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/1?18
Luke 2:4-5 - NAB - Joseph travels to Bethlehem with Mary - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?4
Catechism of the Catholic Church #437 - Christ's foster father - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/437.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #532-534 - Jesus's Hidden Life at Nazareth - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p3.htm#530
Catechism of the Catholic Church #966 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/966.htm
Vatican - Apostolic Letter Patris Corde - https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html
The Litany of St. Joseph - USCCB Prayer Resource - https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/litanies/litany-of-saint-joseph
Franciscan Media - Saint Joseph's Profile - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-joseph-husband-of-mary/

00:00 – Introduction and Opening Prayer
00:14 – The Role of St. Joseph
00:37 – St. Joseph’s Holiness and Virtues
01:40 – St. Joseph in Scripture
02:26 – His Faith, Humility, and Obedience
03:02 – St. Joseph as Our Spiritual Father
04:40 – Assumption of St. Joseph Debate
06:18 – Litany of St. Joseph’s Virtues

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Joseph Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Solemnity - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031925.cfm
1st: 2sa 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Resp: psa 89:2-5, 27, 29
2nd: rom 4:13, 16-18, 22
Gsp: mat 1:16, 18-21, 24

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1047

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