Dear Parishioners,

I would like to focus on one of St. Joseph’s titles, Mirror of Patience. A mirror reflects the image in front of  it. In St. Joseph, we clearly see the virtue of patience. Joseph’s patience comes from his faith, love, and  obedience to the Father. Our heart cries out for patience, as a mother, father, son, daughter, in the office,  in school, in the car. We have a great gift in the life of St. Joseph. Go to Joseph, follow St. Joseph.

Please pray for the repose soul of Jenny Kemple  The life of St. Joseph reflects the virtue of patience. The patience of St. Joseph reflects how he endured the joys of life and the  difficulties. St. Joseph listened and obeyed the angel of God to take Mary as his wife. Later, an angel spoke to Joseph and told  him to flee to Egypt, and Joseph obeyed. Joseph’s journey to Egypt was obedient and patient, not even knowing how long the  journey was. Joseph’s obedience gave him the patience to enjoy the beauty of the nativity and the willingness to suffer the  unknown.  

Joseph is a just man because he lives totally by faith. Even without words, he shows the depth of his faith. Joseph’s faith reflects  his love as a father and to the Father. He is willing to give his life totally to the Holy Family. As a father, Joseph would have been  responsible for leading the Holy Family in their prayers. Joseph would have taught Jesus how to work with his hands and create  things out of wood.  We see patience in Joseph as Mary, pregnant with Our Lord, spends three months with Elizabeth. St. Joseph  endured the joys and challenges of life with God’s grace and faith focused on Our Lord. In doing so, St. Joseph saw that the joys  and challenges of life are all worth it. As a mirror of patience, St. Joseph focused on the good, his family, and God, and he grew  and matured in virtue.  

The virtue of patience allows one to step back and see the whole picture. As we step back, we will see God is there. Patience also  calls one to slow down so that one can focus and see in clarity through the eyes of faith. Prayer and a retreat offer us those  moments to slow down and step back so that we may be, like St. Joseph, a mirror of patience. 

St. Joseph, mirror of patience, Pray of Us.
Father Sean Aaron