Foster-Father of the Son of God

The naming of a child in ancient Jewish custom was the legal responsibility of the father. Jesus had no earthly father; therefore, it belonged to His Heavenly Father to confer upon Him His name. God the Father transferred this right to Joseph, so that in His place, he should give Him the name of Jesus (Mt 1:21). In doing so, God the Father conferred to Joseph the paternal care of His Only-Begotten Son.

The paternity of St. Joseph is a mystery which deserves deep reflection. We may view the announcement of the angel to Joseph as the counterpart to the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary. Joseph, like Mary, was called to his role in salvation history. In addition, St. Joseph’s role in salvation history extends to the present day. In his apparition to St. Mary Ephrem, St. Joseph reveals the following:

“All fatherhood is blessed in me whom the Eternal Father chose as his representative on earth, the Virgin-Father of his own Divine Son. Through me the Heavenly Father has blessed all fatherhood, and through me he continues and will continue to do so till the end of time. My spiritual fatherhood extends to all God’s children, and together with my Virgin Spouse I watch over them with great love and solicitude.”[iii]

In his earthly life, St. Joseph would share in many mysteries he would not understand. His life would take many twists and turns, and he and the Blessed Mother would be constantly thrown into circumstances that would call for the exercise of blind, heroic trust in God. Earthly parenthood (whether biological or spiritual) also calls for heroic trust in God. Life is filled with circumstances beyond our control. However, parents today can take comfort in the love and spiritual fatherhood of St. Joseph. As he took care of Jesus on earth, he will take care of you too on your earthly pilgrimage.

St. Joseph, pray for me to have trust in God’s plans for me and for my family, especially when times are tough. Watch over my life and be my provider and protector in a world that is filled with uncertainty. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Turn to St. Joseph for his spiritual fatherhood and the grace of imitating his complete trust in God for every current and unforeseeable challenge in caring for your family.

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
He has made him lord of his household,
And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

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