Emulate St. Joseph in Small Ways

 

Deacon Kevin Gingras

March 19, 2026

Solemnity of St Joseph

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031926.cfm

2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16   Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29

Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22    Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

When reflecting on St. Joseph, I like to think about what I have in common with St. Joseph.  Both of us are men. Both of us were blessed with beautiful wives, and both of us remained loyal to those wives. Both of us were foster fathers to a child, and both of us protect our families.  St. Joseph protects Jesus, and as a deacon, one of my roles is defender of the Blessed Sacrament. The similarities end there.

St. Joseph is the husband of the Queen of Heaven and Earth; I am not.  His wife was pregnant when he got married; mine was not. He is the foster and adoptive father of our redeemer, the King of the Universe; my adoptive daughter is royalty, but only in my house.  St. Joseph's lineage to King David survived through a humble, hidden branch of David’s family.  My ancestors came from Canada. St. Joseph is never quoted in scripture; his silence is powerful.  I have a hard time knowing when not to speak!  The list goes on!  Anyway, let’s move on to some of the virtues of St. Joseph.  As we go through this list, let’s think about how well we portray these virtues ourselves, which ones we are great at, and which ones we need to work more on. We are supposed to emulate the Saints after all.

Just/Righteous: Described in Scripture as a "just man," he committed to doing what was good and following God's law, rather than merely following human rules.

Obedient and Faithful: He listened to God and acted immediately, such as accepting Mary as his wife and fleeing to Egypt when the angels told him to do so.  

Chaste and Pure: Known as the most chaste spouse, he loved Mary and Jesus with a pure, selfless love, creating order and peace in the Holy Family.

Humble and Hidden: He lived a life of humility, avoiding the spotlight and serving God and his family in obscurity.

Provider and Worker: As a carpenter, he demonstrated the dignity of labor, working diligently to support Jesus and Mary.  St. Joseph is even known as the Model for Workers.

Courageous Protector: He acted swiftly to defend the Child and Mother from dangers like King Herod during the “Slaughter of the Innocents”.  He is even known as the Terror of Demons!

Patron of a Holy Death: His life of piety and devotion to Jesus and Mary makes him a model for the final moments of life.

I try to emulate St. Joseph in my own small ways.  I have a Prayer to St. Joseph, the Worker, at my desk in Canton.  I try to remember to say that each day so that I may thank God for the successes in my workday and offer my failures to God in reparation for my sins and those of the world. I prayed to St. Joseph a lot when my father was in Hospice care. I knew my mother would be with my dad when he passed, and I wanted him to die peacefully for her sake as well as his.  Late one night, he just stopped breathing. He passed very quietly with her by his side.  St. Joseph’s intercession aided us at a very difficult time.

St. Joseph is a key saint in my Saint Posse, assisting me as a father, husband, deacon, and employee.  How can he assist you in your life?

I’ll end with this prayer from Saint Bernadine of Siena to St. Joseph:

Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.