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“Unwavering Faith!” What is that exactly? To answer this question, we need to go to Merriam-Webster online to find out the definition of “unwavering.”
“continuing in a strong and steady way…..steadfast”
I needed to dig deeper and so I looked up the word – “steadfast” next.
“Steadfast – fixed in place – immovable – not subject to change
firm in belief – determination”
Do you know of someone with “unwavering faith?” in your life? Someone who you know is an anchor and won’t let your “boat” float away into unknown waters? Well, I do!
What better day than today – March 19th to introduce you to St. Joseph – “the man” with “unwavering faith.”
I know I’ve written before in my blogs how I first came to know this great companion in my life, however, I would like to go back and walk memory lane once again with all of you.
It would be my future mother in law “Rose” who would hand me a prayer that I would learn by heart before I married her son. I remember typing it up on a Smith-Corona typewriter at work and then encasing it in scotch tape to keep it in good condition. As you can see, I am dating myself because this was way before iPads, computers or lamination. Both the scotch tape and typewriter did the job and the prayer helped bring me closer to the “husband of the Blessed Mother” and the “foster father” of Jesus.
So much so…….that St. Joseph was my constant companion!
Coming down the aisle on my wedding day – I held a special bouquet for St. Joseph along with my own that both my husband and I would present at “his shrine” in the Church we were married in.
The statue posted above was a gift for us from my husband’s grandparents. St. Joseph has been in the family now for nearly 53 years and as you can see he’s had quite a journey with us! I cannot tell you how many notes were left under “his feet and baby Jesus” imploring his help and asking for his intercession. He answered everyone of them and that is why I wish to honor the man of “unwavering faith” today on this his Feast Day.
St. Joseph showed his presence everywhere in our lives. Newly married, we rented our apartment in the home of a “Joseph” who had a son named “Emmanuel!”
When it was time to buy a home to raise our family, we found that not too far away was the Church of St. Joseph in walking distance!
When my first son was born, we honored him with the middle name of “Joseph.”
Why did I fall in love with this man named “Joseph” – this great Saint in the Catholic Church? Read on and you, too, will anchor the boat of your life to him as well.
In the Gospel of Matthew – 1:20 this “unwavering man of faith” is told:
“Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Can you imagine being “chosen” by God the Father to be the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Foster Father of Jesus Christ?
Pope Leo XIII tells us the following:
“Joseph was in his day the lawful and natural guardian, head and defender of the Holy Family. It is thus fitting and most worthy of Joseph’s dignity that in the same way, that he once kept unceasing holy watch over the family of Nazareth, so now does he protect and defend with his heavenly patronage the Church of Christ.”
For this great honor bestowed on St. Joseph by God the Father – let us pray . . .
O Saint Joseph, head of the Holy Family, we venerate you from the profoundest depths of our hearts.
We are told by so many mystics and saints to “Go to Joseph!” Why?
Just look at the picture above these words! Doesn’t St. Joseph look like a mighty protector of the Holy Family? I never imagine this man of “unwavering faith” looking aged and not healthy and strong. He had to be!
Darting from door to door in great angst trying to find shelter for his pregnant wife and soon to be born son! An old man could never have done that!
Nor could an “old man” jump up out of bed and gather his family to flee to Egypt for safety from Herod’s wrath! That certainly wasn’t a donkey’s ride around the block!
He was the “strong man” who accompanied Mary to the Temple presenting the Baby Jesus and hearing the words that would thunder in his mind for the rest of his days from Simeon –
“As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.” Luke 2:34-35
It would be again St. Joseph who sought the missing boy Jesus with the Blessed Mother after their journey to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.
Can you imagine the fear and trepidation that was in his heart as they went to look for Jesus among their relatives – not finding him and then making their way back to Jerusalem looking everywhere. When they found Jesus seated amongst the doctors in the Temple, He said to them – “Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?” But they did not understand what he meant. Luke 2:49-50
“God gave to Joseph a Father’s Love,
A Father’s watchful care and a Father’s authority”
St. Joseph – pray for us
Pray for all Families that are in need of your intercession!
I loved inserting these beautiful images of St. Joseph and this one especially. To me it’s the “look of love” from the Child Jesus gazing into the eyes of His Foster Father. They both have their hands firmly gripped on the tool. How telling are the “hands” of Jesus in this picture. Both hands holding on tight. Jesus learned so much from St. Joseph – the man of unwavering faith who God would choose to rear “His Child.”
St. Teresa of Avila explains best in the following words of wisdom why devotion to St. Joseph is so efficacious.
“Those who are devoted to prayer should, in a special manner, cherish devotion to St. Joseph. I know not how anyone can ponder the sufferings, trials and tribulations the Queen of Angels endured whilst caring for Jesus in his childhood, without at the same time thanking St. Joseph for the services he rendered the Divine Child and his Blessed Mother.”
“Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious Saint, for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God!
I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and honored him, who did not advance greatly in virtue; for he helps in a special way those souls who commend themselves to him.”
And so I close with the prayer that I spoke of in the beginning of this posting. . .the prayer that “Rose” gave to me before I married her son and the “unwavering” companion she introduced into my life for eternity.
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.
Press Him close in my name and kiss his head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, Pray for me.
©2024 Anita Guariglia
Featured Image and other images/ Pinterest and Instagram
St. Joseph statue – Anita Guariglia
Scripture Quotes from Jerusalem Bible
St. Teresa of Avila Quotes and Pope Leo XIII from “The Untold Story of Saint Joseph”
Handbook of Devotion to St. Joseph
8 Responses
Thank you for sharing such heart melting, loving sentiments of St. Joseph. Your beautiful description and pictures of St. Joseph are just perfect.
St. Joseph broke into our day yesterday and showed his unwavering faith to all!
God bless you dear Cathy -and your family.
I appreciate your dedication to writing.
Thank you so much for your kind comment – may St. Joseph bless you abundantly!
Thank you, Anita. I, too, love St. Joseph, who has never let me down in regard to answered prayers. He was instrumental in helping us purchase our home, among other wonderful gifts! So strong and practical, yet so kind and generous.
Yes….Oh Yes…Anne! Our Precious Blessed Mother gave Her Fiat but so did St. Joseph and he continues to give it to us when we ask. St. Teresa of Avila tells us that he never did not answer a prayer! Praise God! Continued blessings from our dear St. Joseph for your family!!! God Bless You, Anita
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