Saint Joseph the Navigator

Based on the things we have all experienced during the Covid 19 Pandemic, it has become clear that our lives are woven together and sustained by just ordinary people who are often overlooked - health care workers, caregivers, essential service workers, such as your grocery clerk. These people have offered patience, hope, kindness, understanding, and a gentle smile. These are qualities St. Joseph demonstrated in the many challenges he faced in protecting and taking care of his family. St. Joseph set an example of how to deal with issues by looking ahead, acting, praying, and trusting in our Almighty Lord God. Most of the things he did went unnoticed by others, but he helped build our Holy Family. 

St. Joseph played a pivotal role at the crossroads of the Old and New Testaments. By this role, he became an intercessor between all who seek his help. It is up to each person to recognize the role St. Joseph can play in our individual lives and the life of our family. St. Teresa of Avila prayed to St. Joseph as an intercessor to Our Lord. The month of March is a month especially dedicated to the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Let us all make an even greater effort to pray to St. Joseph this month, asking for his guidance in our family lives and the manner in which we meet our fellow man. 

 

St. Joseph, by the way he responded to the many issues encountered during his time on earth, has taught us that at all times, never be afraid to let the Lord steer our course. He followed the guidance of God in taking Mary as his wife and Jesus as his son, in fleeing to Egypt, in returning to Nazareth, and in teaching Jesus about daily living with love and respect for all others. We may not always understand the vagaries of daily life, but with prayer and thoughtfulness, we need to continue to step forward in building a happy and spiritual life on earth. To use a frequent term in today's vocabulary, let’s be "proactive" and maintain fortitude to achieve our earthly goal of seeing our Lord in Heaven.