The Burdens of Saint Joseph

The Burdens of Saint Joseph




When we think of the sorrows of Our Lady, our own sorrows receive healing. Why? Because our sorrows are purified of their poison in Mary's acceptance of suffering and healed in her victory of faith. In similar fashion, when we consider St. Joseph's burdens our burdens are lightened. St. Joseph steadfastly tried his best to provide for and to protect the Holy Family. Events, resources and emotions were challenging but he persevered by faith.



The Annunciation To St. Joseph

(Mt. 1:18-25) The burden of the news that Mary his espoused was with child before their life together. His first concern was not himself but protecting the reputation of his beloved.



The Journey to Bethlehem

(Lk. 2:1-5) The burden of obeying the civil law. He had to care for his pregnant wife Mary while travelling from Nazareth to Bethlehem in order to fulfill a civic requirement.



The Birth of Jesus

(Lk. 2:6-7) The burden of caring for Mary and the newborn Jesus without the ordinary resources that a father wants for his family. He accepts the humiliation of using the poorest lodging for his wife to bear her son. He does not give up. He later finds them a decent “house”. (Mt. 2:11)



The Presentation

(Lk. 2:24) The burden of acknowledging poverty in public again – they cannot sacrifice a lamb as the standard offering prescribed by Leviticus but only the turtledoves or young pigeons used as a poor woman's substitute. Hearing the words of the prophet Simeon to Mary.



Herod's Threat

(Mt. 2:13-14) The burden of Herod's threat against his family. Joseph must wake his wife and tell her the fearful news of the murderous threat. He must protect them on a dangerous journey through the night.



Refugees in Egypt

(Mt. 2:15) The burden of providing for Mary and Jesus while living as refugees in a strange land of grotesque gods and foreign values.



Return to Nazareth

(Mt. 2:19-23) The burden of returning and re-settling years later in Israel which still held political dangers for his family.



Loss of the Child Jesus

(Lk. 2:41-50) The burden of searching in sorrow for his lost foster child Jesus. Seeing the disappointment and fear in his wife Mary's eyes. Accepting that Jesus was growing to be a man.