St. Joseph’s Quiet Faithfulness: Obeying God Without Complaint
“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” ~ Mt 1:18-19
I don’t know much about St. Joseph.
The church doesn’t say much about him. He never says a word in Scripture. Yet, he carries so many titles and patronages—”terror of demons,” patron of foster parents, patron of workers, and protector of the Holy Church.
He’s got to be one of the most interesting men in Scripture.
What went through his mind when his spouse, who had vowed to be a virgin, was suddenly found with child before they had even lived together?
He not only kept his composure and showed love to Mary, but he also planned to send her away quietly to spare her from public shame. Then the angel came and clarified the situation. Without hesitation, Joseph chose to stay and take care of her and the child. Not a single word of complaint.
What level of humility and holiness must a person have to do such a thing quietly?
He was so committed to following God’s will that an angel had to come intervene. Without hesitation, he obeyed. Not a single word.
Could I have done it? Not even close. I can’t even do it today with silly things like my wife leaving the cabinet doors open so I can hit my forehead on them.
But here we have recorded history of a man who quietly followed God, loved, and raised a child that wasn’t his. No complaints. No resentment. No excuses.
He wasn’t even alive to support Mary at Calvary—we know this because Jesus entrusted Mary’s care to John, inferring that Joseph had already passed. He didn’t see Jesus start His ministry. He missed a lot. Yet, what he saw and got to do for the Holy Family was his calling, and he followed through with it quietly and faithfully.
Today, I want to pray for the graces to hear God’s call and follow it—not with questions, hesitations, excuses, or pushback, but with quiet faithfulness and obedience to His will.
In peace,
~Juan
