Spiritual Gem of St. Joseph #4

November 14, 2017

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied.”
– John 14:8

Meditation
When we hear the Apostle Philip’s words to Christ, is there something that resonates deep within us? This passage speaks to our ultimate desire as humans, to know God the Father and experience His merciful love. Fatherhood is not simply a man-made concept but a spiritual reality of our being made in the “image and likeness” of God! St. John Paul II stated, “Men reveal and re-live on earth the very fatherhood of God.” Wow! Fatherhood is not just something men do. It is who they are. So where do we look to know how to live our fatherhood? Christ’s response to Philip points us back to Himself: “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” We are first and foremost called to look to Christ. However, where did Christ learn humanly how to be a father? From St. Joseph! His authentic fatherhood of Christ, though not physical, was absolutely real. Therefore, let us look to St. Joseph to understand how fatherhood goes much deeper than mere biology; it is truly a spiritual reality.

Live It! Practical Tip of the Week: Meditate on the last 3 Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary – the Birth of Christ, the Presentation in the Temple, and the Finding in the Temple. Consider the role of St. Joseph as a spiritual father to Jesus in each of these mysteries as you pray. Then, pick one concrete way you can imitate St. Joseph with your own children this week.

Prayer
St. Joseph,
Mystery hidden from the wise and learned,
But revealed to the little ones.
Take me to Nazareth and train me in your ways.
Reveal to me Christ’s hidden face present in my children.
Unveil for me the love of the Holy Spirit present in my spouse.
Teach me to manifest for them the Father who is rich in mercy.
Help me to exclude all evil from my heart and my home,
So that we might find union with God,
And experience his love, peace and joy.
Amen.
– By Steve Bollman