Issue link: http://archden.uberflip.com/i/1366114
18 THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH | ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER PROFILES OF COUR AGE: Ref lections on St. Joseph I f Hollywood makes a movie about the life of St. Joseph, the lead character would have a non-speaking role based upon his dialogue in the Bible. He is never quoted, but readers can garner much about this holy man of few words based on his actions. This significant silent partner in raising the Savior of the world exhibited courage in the Lord and his decisions to obey are observed several times in the gospel. Beyond those stories, modern day Christians are left to fill in the blanks. Believers can find inspiration in his obedient courage and find ways to emulate him. This year, the Archbishop's Catholic Appeal is highlighting St. Joseph's virtues and inviting people to put their own cour- age into action and donate to the largest fundraiser of the year that results in touching the most lives. The following are personal reflections on St. Joseph by fellow Archdiocese members. As a reader, please consider your own answers to these questions and how you might want to put your own courage into action, like St. Joseph. What do you remember learning about, or thinking about, St. Joseph when you were a child? I didn't learn much of St. Joseph growing up as a young boy. I got to learn more about him later in my life around my 20s. I learned only what were the peculiarities of him. That he was father to Jesus, a carpenter, there was no recorded words of his in Sacred Scripture. Have you ever prayed specifically to St. Joseph about something? All the time. Specifically for patience, to terror- ize demons, for chastity, humility, diligence to responsibilities without boasting and for a happy death. What words come to mind when you think of St. Joseph? Simple, quiet, paternal, res- olute, loving If you could ask St. Joseph a ques on, what would you ask? What was it like to teach Jesus? Also, tell me a joke. How have you tried to live courageously like St. Joseph? Often, and sometimes with evident failure, and but resolute to seek the grace of his Son and ask for his intercession. How would you describe St. Joseph to someone unfamiliar with his story? He was a man through and through, masculine with- out compromise and loving to those in his care and concern. Diligent to tasks and formative for Jesus in his humanity. FATHER JOSEPH MCLAGAN Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish