The Simplicity Of St. Joseph’s Life: A Model For Contemporary Catholics

The esteemed convert to Catholicism, St. John Henry Newman once said: “He is Holy Joseph, because according to the opinion of a great number of doctors, he, as well as St. John the Baptist, was sanctified even before he was born. He is Holy Joseph, because his office, of being spouse and protector of Mary, specially demanded sanctity. He is Holy Joseph, because no other Saint but he lived in such and so long intimacy and familiarity with the source of all holiness, Jesus, God incarnate, and Mary, the holiest of creatures.”

                With this in mind, having celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19, it is fitting that we pause in our Lenten journey and reflect on the life, ministry and simplicity of St. Joseph. How fortunate are we to have so great an intercessor before the throne of the Almighty pleading our cause for the heavenly reward.

                St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of Mary, is a figure deeply revered in Catholic Tradition. His life, characterized by simplicity and humility, offers a profound model for contemporary Catholics navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world often driven by ambition and materialism, St. Joseph’s virtues remind us of the importance faith, family and service play in our daily lives. Let us delve into and explore the life of St. Joseph, highlighting how his example can inspire Catholics today.

                St. Joseph’s life was rooted in the ordinary. As a carpenter, he engaged in manual labor, a profession that reflects a commitment to hard work and dedication. The Gospels refer to him as “the carpenter” thus emphasizing his humble beginnings and the dignity of his work (Matt. 13:55). This portrayal of St. Joseph as a worker resonates with many contemporary Catholics who strive to find meaning and purpose in their daily labor.

                His role as a husband and father further exemplifies his simplicity. St. Joseph accepted the Divine plan for his family with unwavering faith and obedience. When faced with the challenge of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, he did not act out of fear or anger but chose to trust in God’s providence. His decision to take Mary and Jesus into his home demonstrates a profound commitment to family and a willingness to embrace God’s will, despite the cultural exclusions of the time. St. Joseph’s life was not marked by grand gestures or public acclaim; rather, it was defined by quiet strength and steadfast love. Even more, St. Joseph’s actions reflect a proactive approach to life. He was “certainly not passively resigned, but courageously and firmly proactive“ in fulfilling his responsibilities (Patris Corde n. 4 § 4). This active acceptance of God’s plans serves as a reminder that simplicity does not equate to passivity; rather, it involves a conscious choice to live out one’s faith in everyday situations.

                In each of our lives, the Christian is called to exemplify virtuous living, thus being a model of Christ in the world. St. Joseph embodies this virtuous life though several key virtues that are essential for a life of faith. Among these virtues are faith, obedience, humility, and service. His unwavering faith is evident in his response to the angel’s message, where he fully accepted God’s salvific plan for his family. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God’s providence, which contemporary Catholics are called to emulate in their own lives.

                Obedience is another hallmark of St. Joseph’s character. He exemplified “prompt and silent obedience to the will of God,” responding to Divine Revelations without hesitation. In a world where individual desires often take precedence over Divine will, St. Joseph’s example challenges Catholics to prioritize God’s plans over personal ambitions (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines n. 200).

                Humility is perhaps St. Joseph’s most significant virtue. He did not seek recognition or glory; instead, he fulfilled his role as a father and husband with quiet dignity. This “heroic humility” allows him to be a model for all who aspire to follow Christ. The Church teaches that “in order to be a good and genuine follower of Christ, there is no need of great things; it is enough to have the common, simple and human virtues, but they need to be true and authentic” (Redemptoris Custos n. 24). This message resonates deeply in a culture that often equates success with visibility and power.

                Service is another virtue that defines St. Joseph’s life. His loving care for Mary and Jesus illustrates a commitment to self-giving and sacrifice. St. Joseph’s life was dedicated to the well-being of his family, and he is invoked as a patron of workers and families. This spirit of service is essential for contemporary Catholics, who are called to live out their faith through acts of love and kindness in their families, parishes and local communities.

                Today’s culture invites people to latch onto to a “godfather-like” person in whom they find their desire and will to persevere in society. Sadly, many of the “godfather-like” examples chosen, lead people down deep dark paths of destruction and spiritual isolation. In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, St. Joseph’s life and virtues can serve as a guiding light for contemporary Catholics. His example is particularly relevant in the context of modern challenges such as work-life balance, family responsibilities, and the call to live out one’s faith in action.

                St. John Paul II had a great love and devotion to St. Joseph. In fact, in his General Audience of March 19, 1997, the late saintly Holy Father, reminds Catholics of the dignity of labor through the example on St. Joseph: “The Christian community has also considered the life of St Joseph as exemplary for all who are involved in the vast and complex world of work. Precisely for this reason the Church wishes to entrust workers to his heavenly protection and has proclaimed him their patron.” In an age where work can often become a source of stress and disconnection, St. Joseph teaches the importance of finding fulfillment in one’s vocation while maintaining a focus on family and faith.

                St. Joseph’s role as a father highlights the significance of family life. In a society where family structures are increasingly challenged, his example encourages Catholics to prioritize their families and nurture relationships. His attentive guardianship of Mary and Jesus serves as a model for fathers and mothers alike, emphasizing the importance of love, protection, and guidance in family life.

                St. Joseph’s life also illustrates the call to live out one’s faith actively. He did not merely accept God’s will; he acted upon it. His prompt response to Divine guidance serves as a reminder that faith is not lived as a passive state but as an active engagement with God’s plan. This is particularly relevant in a world that often prioritizes individualism, whereas, St. Joseph’s example encourages a communal approach to faith, where service to others becomes a central aspect of one’s spiritual journey.

The faithful and really all people of good will, can draw inspiration from St. Joseph’s virtues and apply them in their daily lives. Here are some practical ways to emulate his example:

                First, we need to return to prioritizing family life. St. Joseph’s commitment to his family serves as a reminder to prioritize family relationships. This can involve setting aside time for family activities, engaging in open communication, and fostering an environment of love and support.

                Second, we need to foster the renewal of a sense of humility in our times. We live in a selfish and self-serving time, where there is a cut-throat mentality. This further divides the already severe divisions in our time. Emulating St. Joseph’s humility involves recognizing the value of others and serving without seeking recognition. This can be practiced through acts of kindness, volunteering, and being attentive to the needs of those around us.

                Third, we are called to serve one another. Following St. Joseph’s example of service means actively looking for ways to help others. This can include participating in community service projects, supporting charitable organizations, or simply being present for friends and family in times of need.

                Fourth, we must embrace our vocation in life, especially the vocation of work. Today no one wants to work. Why? Well, because today’s society has made it too easy for people. People have been given things on a silver platter, rather than having to work and fight for what they want. St. Joseph’s dedication to his work encourages Catholics to view their jobs as a vocation. This means approaching work with a sense of purpose, integrity, and a commitment to excellence while balancing it with family and faith.

                Lastly, people must open their ears to the voice of God. Today’s culture is screaming so loudly trying to squash the voice of God! In the midst of this “earthly scream” people must listen even harder for the Lord’s voice. Like St. Joseph, Catholics are called to be attentive to God’s voice in their lives. This can involve prayer, discernment, and a willingness to act upon the inspirations received, even when they challenge personal comfort or ambition.

                St. Joseph’s life exemplifies the virtues of simplicity, humility, and service, making him a timeless model for today’s Catholics. His unwavering faith and dedication to family remind the faithful of the importance of living out their beliefs in everyday life. As Catholics reflecting on St. Joseph’s example, they are encouraged to incorporate these lessons into their own lives, fostering a spirit of love, service, and commitment to God’s will. In a world that often values complexity and ambition, St. Joseph’s simplicity stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

+++

                May Our Lady, the Mother of God, guide us all in our journey to embody the virtues of St. Joseph in our daily lives.