March 19: Saint Joseph / San José

The Gospels (Matthew 1, 16f and Luke 2, 41f) suggest that although St. Joseph, a young father, was protective of his young Son, he also struggled to understand Him at times. Having anxiously searched for Jesus with Mary, St. Joseph finally found Him in the Temple, only to be told by Jesus that He must be busy with His Father’s affairs. Perhaps St. Joseph had to learn that there was someone else in his young Son’s life whom He called “Father,” and to whom He had a stronger allegiance than He had to His earthly parents.

It is perhaps also true that Joseph had to discover early on that he would have to let his Son go to a greater purpose than what he wanted for Him. As such, St. Joseph could serve as an inspiration, a reference point, for all parents (and all adults who have had children entrusted to their care) who have to work through that difficult task of learning to “let go.”

The Scriptures describe St. Joseph as a “just man.” This is a Biblical way of saying he was a person who always tried to be faithful to God’s plan and not his own. May the Lord, through his generous intercession, good and faithful servants ... and just people, willing to walk each day in faith and with trust – in God.

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Los Evangelios (Mateo 1, 16.18-21.24 por ejemplo) califican a José como un “hombre justo.” Es un título que las Escrituras del Antiguo y del Nuevo Testamento dan a personas que tratan de vivir fielmente según los planes de Dios. Ciertamente San José jugó un papel importante en el Plan de Salvación de Dios: Dios confió a su cuidado al Salvador Jesús. Experimentó muchas dificultades ocasionadas por tan importante misión, pero pasó la prueba y sirvió bien a Dios, como hombre de fe, generoso, y ciertamente “justo.” 

Que ojalá el Señor nos haga sus siervos buenos y fieles, dignos de confianza y justos. Que su bendición venga sobre nosotros por intercesión de San José y nos acompañe en el camino de la vida.