"St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life." Blessed Josemaria Escriva
Bethlehem, the city of King David of Israel and his descendants, may have been the birthplace of Joseph, because he belonged to the house and family of David. However, Joseph appears first in the Bible living in the town of Nazareth.
He was a carpenter, skilled at making household furniture and repairing sheds and homes in need of attention. This type of work would require patience, strength, concentration, and attention to detail. We can imagine him as being the strong, silent type, intent on doing the best job he could for his customers.
He was also a devout Jew. He observed the laws of his religion, attended the local synagogue, and made the trip to Jerusalem each year to observe the feast of Passover at the Temple. He would have been aware, as were all Jewish people, of God's promise to send a Saviour one day, to redeem the people from their sins.
Some ancient sources say that Joseph was a widower with children when he was betrothed to Mary. This would explain Biblical references to Jesus' brothers and sisters, who would, in fact, have been half-siblings. Joseph may have been an old man when he became engaged to Mary.
According to the custom of the day, after Joseph became engaged, or betrothed, to the young virgin named Mary, they both returned to their homes for about a year before they began to live together.
How disappointed he must have been to learn that Mary was pregnant! He knew he was not the father. The law allowed him to divorce Mary publicly and thus bring shame on the girl and her family. Having a compassionate heart, Joseph would not do this to his betrothed. He decided to divorce her privately.
If the couple exchanged tales of their angelic visits, they must have been awe-struck. Joseph probably realized about this time that God had chosen him to be the protector of a very special Child. We can only imagine the fervent prayers he sent winging heavenward begging to be worthy of the tremendous task.
He must have been shocked when the Baby was born in a manger filled with hay for a cradle. Couldn't God have made better arrangements?
Imagine his puzzlement and surprise when shepherds arrived with gifts and stories of angels' songs, but this was only a prelude. His amazement could have known no bounds when kings from the East came to worship Mary's baby, bringing very expensive gifts.
The Bible doesn't tell us what happened to the gold, frankincense and myrrh the Magi presented the baby, but it's probable Joseph sold them to finance the journey to Egypt.
Soon after the birth, the angel returned to Joseph with another heavenly command. He was to get up in the middle of the night, take Mary and the baby and flee to the neighbouring country of Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill the child. Without question or complaint, Joseph immediately obeyed.
Joseph's skill as a carpenter probably enabled him to provide for the family while they were in exile. In a few years, the angel informed him that it was safe to return to Nazareth because Herod had died. Without a murmur, Joseph again obeyed. He had implicit trust in the wisdom of God's directions by this time.
The Bible is mainly silent on the events of Jesus' childhood and teenage years. We can imagine Joseph patiently teaching him the carpentry trade, taking him along on jobs in the neighbourhood and in nearby towns, always being watchful to ensure the boy's safety and welfare. He must have often marvelled at the child's insight and wisdom.
When Jesus was twelve, he was lost for three days. The Jewish families from Nazareth were travelling home together in a group, after celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was with others. When they realized he was lost, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him They found him teaching the priests and rabbis in the Temple. He asked them, "Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house?" Luke 2: 49
Were they given the grace to understand what he meant, or did he explain it to them later in private? We can only surmise, but the boy must have filled his mother and his foster-father with wonder, awe and pride.
Jesus remained at home in Nazareth for thirty years out of the thirty-three years of his life. He must have loved his earthly family very much. The little group is often referred to as "The Holy Family"'.
We're not sure exactly when Joseph died, but it was probably before Jesus began his public life. The human chosen to safeguard the Son of God on earth, probably passed away in the arms of Jesus and Mary. For this reason he is recognized as the patron of a happy death.
He has also been named patron of Canada, China, Mexico, fathers, families, travellers, craftsmen, and working people in general. His feast day is March 19th. St. Joseph the Worker is honoured on May 1st.
"St. Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families." Pope John Paul II
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