The courage and calmness that St. Joseph displayed in the face of uncertainties make him a model for us all. As the faithful protector of the Holy Family of Nazareth, he displayed a father’s heart by being willing to risk it all for others. Joseph was so kind and selfless that he would not go through with his initial plan of “divorcing Mary quietly” hence, jeopardizing her life and that of her unborn child. 

 A Josephite priest once described this patron of the Church as the unassuming dad who felt comfortable playing the role of God’s support staff. St. Joseph was truly content fostering Jesus, performing his tasks quietly and humbly in the face of unprecedented challenges. 

 We currently face a pandemic that has ravaged our world, destroyed lives, and redefined our worship experience. To emerge from the stressful situation of this past year, the Holy Father offered us the opportunity of dedicating this liturgical year to reflecting on the life of St. Joseph. We are to recommit ourselves, our families and our nation to the patron of the universal Church. In his apostolic letter Patris Corde, Pope Francis urges that we emulate the Blessed Joseph who selflessly placed himself “at the service of the entire plan of salvation,” by accepting the pregnant young Mary as his legitimate spouse.

 It is worth noting that St. Joseph chose to spare the life of Mary and her unborn son. In doing this, he was not merely performing an ordinary act of generosity but a willful desire to cooperate with the will of God. He understood that his choice of marrying Mary could damage his reputation, lead to mistrust by his neighbors, or even the risk of being excluded by family members. Overcoming his initial hesitation, Joseph made that selfless decision to take Mary into his home as the angel had commanded. Fully aware that this plan of God could bring him pain, he trustingly and wholeheartedly embraced it. 

 As part of our Lenten discipline, we must dare to imitate the selfless life of St. Joseph. We are to think of ourselves less in our dealings with others. If we intend to “rend our hearts, not our garments,” then we will “personally and intentionally” care for the people around us. Joseph did not allow the uncertain source of Mary's pregnancy to cloud his sense of honor for her.

 Fulfilling this year’s Lenten observances would be much easier if we commit ourselves to think less of other people’s faults, failures and shortcomings. How good and pleasant it would be when as brothers and sisters, we sincerely look beyond each other’s faults and realize their needs. Our Lord Jesus challenges us “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” (Matthew 9:13)

 St. Joseph’s selfless life was born out of his sincere hope in God’s providence. In Romans 5:5, St. Paul noted, “Hope does not disappoint because of the love of God that has been poured into our heart through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Joseph unfeignedly took up the fearful mission of becoming Jesus’ foster father, hoping that God would supply him with the grace to be successful. He mirrored for us the perfect example of stability in the face of an uncertain future. 

 We see “hope springs eternal” in the way St. Joseph graciously persevered as an immigrant father seeking refuge for his spouse and infant son in Egypt. The agonizing experience never derailed his hope. So the next time we struggle with pressing life decisions and feel like we have hit the proverbial “brick wall,” let us never forget to “Hang On Prayerfully, Expectantly” to God for guidance.

 As a member of St. Joseph Society of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites), I am constantly reminded that my prayers, fasting and works of charity should be modeled toward Blessed Joseph. In emulating his life and legacy, I can become more purposeful, resolved and energized for whatever mission God sets before me. 

 If ever “life’s ways become weary, and the desert is wild; when bleak sand surround us, no home can we see, may the sweet spouse of Mary intercede for thee. He who is the kind and loving father, the helpful friend of all in sorrow. The protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow. Through his kind patronage, may we come to live a blameless life.” (Josephite Prayer Manual, 50)  

 Give us the grace, Lord, to be like St. Joseph – cool, calm and reflective in the face of adversity. May we always act selflessly and never lose sight of the promises of God. Help us to go to Joseph and lean upon him who was the dear guardian of Mary and who helped nurture her child Jesus.   

 (Josephite Father Cornelius Kelechi Ejiogu serves as the pastor of St. Luke Parish in Washington, D.C.)