This member of our so-called weaker sex is the epitome of strength and endurance, because intelligence, worth, character and virtue are not doled out differently to male or female by the Holy Spirit.  God chose a woman, and her name was Mary.

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THE STRONG SILENT TYPE               A meditation on St. Joseph He is a "blue collar" worker without  unemployment benefits, union protection or welfare.  The young woman he is about to marry is pregnant, but not with his child. He has no luxuries to offer his new bride ... a honeymoon in Bethlehem, compliments of Caesar Augustus, third class travel by donkey, and deluxe accomodations in a stable.  The Holy Child is born.  Jesus and Mary depend on Joseph for survival.

Last minute lodging is the best that he finds for his new family. A box for animal fodder substitutes for the cradle, which he built with his calloused, carpenter's hands.  He isn't incompetent, he's God's choice, a willing participant in scripture and the prophecies.  How many men, at one time or another, feel as powerless as Joseph, to improve a bad situation?  How many men would have the faith to put their total trust in God in the face of such adversities.  Joseph is forced to leave his home and hide in Egypt ... not because of famine, or a slave ship, but because Herod, a maniacal king, is hacking apart Jewish toddlers.  Herod hopes this slaughter will include God's Son.  Joseph remains steadfast as protector and provider.     A family pilgrimage to the Temple, a vacation, becomes a parent's worst nightmare.  Joseph realizes that he and Mary have inadvertently misplaced the "Messiah."  Three agonizing days of searching, lead back to the Temple, where he finds Jesus conversing with the Elders.  Put yourself in Joseph's place, breathe one deep sigh of relief. He dies with Jesus and Mary at his bedside.  This is why we call him "the patron of a happy death."  Personally, I think he was smiling, because this monumental task was completed successfully. We all know men who are "the strong silent type."  Their actions speak louder than their words.  Like so many husbands and fathers, he might have been too busy to say much.  During the next Christmas season, as you look at a Manger scene, a statue of St. Joseph will be near the Christ Child and Mary.  Saint Joseph did more than just accompany Mary to Bethlehem.  Give him some credit for his unwavering faith. Then, ask him for help in your own daily routine ... God did. Share a prayer with all the people that signed my guestbook.  The power of prayer is awesome.

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