St. Joseph: little known, never failing.
March 19th is the solemnity of St. Joseph! It is a great day to go to Mass and to celebrate God’s goodness in the midst of Lent. Joseph is revered in the Catholic Church as the foster father of Jesus. He was Mary’s husband and the protector of the Holy Family. But, he had a comparatively small role to play in the Gospels. Joseph died shortly before Christ began His public ministry, and is not even quoted once.
All we know of Joseph from the Gospels is that he answered God’s call. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant before their wedding, his intention was to “divorce her quietly.” He was rightfully upset and intimidated to accept a pregnant wife he knew he did not impregnate. Yet, he took Mary into his home and raised her son when God asked him to.
Catholics give great devotion to Mary as the Mother of God. While Joseph played no direct role in bringing Jesus into the world, he is greatly responsible for raising the savior. Christ was fully divine but also fully human. God gave him an earthly father to grow up with. The Lord knew human Jesus would need a father.
Despite knowing little of Joseph, we know enough to understand his value.
St. Joseph is praised by many names. My favorite is Terror of Demons. He was a simple man, stained with sin unlike Mary or Jesus. But he remained pure, chaste, and righteous. He allowed no demons to enter the home of his family. Joseph is also known as “The Worker.” He provided for his family and taught Jesus to grow into a good man. He is the most chaste spouse of the Blessed Mary, allowing her to remain Ever Virgin.
As the Church has learned more of Joseph, many devotions to him have been created. One is the “Never Failing Novena.” The prayer is meant to be said for nine days for any intention we wish Joseph to intercede for us. It almost sounds too good to be true: a never failing prayer of petition.
The never-fail is in the intention itself.
Why does this novena never fail to be answered? Because this prayer, said with St. Joseph, orients us towards God’s will. We can say it with intentions in mind, such as help to conceive a child, help finding a home, etc. But the “power” lies in our acceptance of God’s plan and request for His graces. This is the only prayer that can be unfailing: one that says not my will, but Yours.
If you’ve found yourself praying the same intention for years, I invite you to pray like Joseph. Abandon your desires, abandon your plans. Simply ask God for the grace to endure your cross and follow where He leads.
St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest 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. St. Joseph, I never weary of 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 fine 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.
Amen.
