Today we celebrate a great saint, a model man, husband, and protector of families: Saint Joseph.
We know very little about this saint who, along with Mary, through her generous yes, welcomed, cared for, and helped form our Lord Jesus in His infancy and childhood.
Learn from this great saint who, even in his silence, heroically models manhood for humanity.
Just as the gift of the Holy Family was entrusted to Saint Joseph, so the gift of the family and its place in God’s plan is entrusted to us so that we may carry it forward. To each one of you and to us, because I, too, am the son of a family.
— Pope Francis
7 Things Every Husband Should Learn From Saint Joseph
To Be A Fair Man
Saint Joseph is a just and fair man. At first he does not understand the situation of his betrothed, the Blessed Virgin Mary, when he learns of her pregnancy. Yet he has no desire to shame her publicly. Instead, he decides to separate from her quietly.
How often in our own marriages are we tempted by gossip, suspicion, or injustice? Look to Joseph, who is not overcome by anger or despair. A different reaction from Joseph could even have led to Mary’s death under the law. His choice was, first of all, a just one. What a powerful example.
To Be A Man Who Trusts God’s Plan
Saint Joseph did not fully understand Mary’s message at first. How often have we seen even righteous men struggle when they cannot understand God’s plan?
Joseph reminds us that, though we may struggle to understand God’s plan, we can still be obedient to His word. Despite his uncertainty, Joseph remains confident and trusting. He places his faith in God.
To Be A Father
Saint Joseph cared for Jesus and helped form Him as a man through his example: a hard worker, a man of faith, a defender of life, and a protector of Jesus’ mother.
Joseph stands as a great example and inspiration for families today. In him, we see the true meaning of fatherhood revealed: responsibility, sacrifice, guidance, and love.
To Be A Guardian and Provider
Joseph is the protector and provider of the Holy Family in every circumstance. Imagine the anguish he must have felt fulfilling this duty during their flight into Egypt.
How many families today find themselves in similar situations, facing scarcity, war, uncertainty, and injustice? Yet Joseph bravely carried out his responsibilities.
For this reason, we can turn to Saint Joseph with confidence, because he himself lived through trials and hardships similar to our own.
To Be A Hard Worker
Joseph, an honest man, brings food to his family’s table by the sweat of his brow, just as many good men do today.
He is the patron saint of workers and a model for all men who faithfully fulfill their duties through their profession and daily labor.
To Be A Silent Man
Saint Joseph is a man of silence. He receives and meditates on every command of God.
In silence, he worships the child who is also his God. Joseph does not go about proclaiming his importance as the earthly father of the Son of God.
Instead, he lives with a spirit of complete openness to God’s will. His quiet humility stands in sharp contrast to the pride and self-promotion often seen in the world today.
Joseph teaches us that true greatness is found not in boasting, but in faithfully fulfilling God’s plan.
To Be A Beloved and Loving Man
Joseph’s closeness to Jesus and Mary made him a privileged man of extraordinary faith.
He teaches us that a holy life is possible only when we remain close to Jesus and Mary. Joseph’s love for his family is revealed through his actions. He is tender, generous, caring, and self-giving.
His love has now been fully rewarded in the joy of eternal heaven.
