Archdiocese of Denver

The witness of Joseph has become even more relevant in the modern world. Our individualistic culture embraces values directly opposed to his witness. As we've been drawn into rebellion, noise, distractions, and pleasure, a great spiritual famine has resulted. Just as during the seven-year famine that struck Egypt in the book of Genesis, "Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, 'Go to Joseph and do what he tells you'" (Gen 41:55), so God has sent us another Joseph. Popes have told us continually over the last 150 years, "Go to Joseph, Son of David," as in our current year dedicated to St. Joseph. Now truly is the time of St. Joseph — calling forth faithful fathers, humble workers, and silent contemplatives. He inspires us to take up our own simple daily tasks for the renewal of our family, the Church, and society. The Church proposes Joseph as a "pillar of families" in the litany dedicated to him. He continues to oversee the household of the Church and provides a fatherly model for leading the Christian home. Fathers, in particular, have the greatest influence on the faith of their children, as many studies have demonstrated. Fathers can learn through Joseph the courage and sacrifice needed to steer their families away from the threats that seek to harm their children. Just as Joseph had to make great sacrifices to keep his family safe from Herod, so do fathers have to prioritize the safety of their families from the many dangers that constantly assault their children, be they clear physical threats or insidious risks such as those presented through technology and media. Hard decisions have to be made to ensure purity and a greater peace and silence in the home, prioritizing people over things and clearing out the family's schedule for what is most important— time for God and for each other. The Year of St. Joseph gives us an opportunity to develop a stronger relationship with our adoptive spiri- tual father. By sharing in Jesus's life, he draws us into his own relationship with his close family and friends — who will, in turn, draw us into deeper friendship with Jesus. As the patron of the Church and families, we need to turn to Joseph for help. Here is a great prayer from St. John Henry Newman that we could add to our daily prayers: "God, who in your ineffable Providence did choose Blessed Joseph to be the husband of your most holy Mother, grant, we beseech you, that we may be made worthy to receive him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we ven- erate as our holy Protector: who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen." Likewise, as members of Jesus's own body, Joseph becomes our own protector and guardian, taking on a fatherly role in our growth as Christians. 7 ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER | THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH

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