Joseph, much like Jesus, lived a life of sacrifice and
humility. He cared not for what material
possessions he had but concentrated on the needs of those around him. This simple act of courage, I believe,
defines the man and his role in our society.
His is the ‘nom de plume’ or the name usually hidden from most of life’s
invitations. But, rest assured, his
presence is felt and heard by those who are around him, love him, respect him
and admire him. He claims not to boast
of his accomplishments. He would rather
remain anonymous and sit in the shadows knowing that his efforts in this life
will be seen and rewarded by God.
This time of the year is especially important to men
because it signifies the importance of Jesus and of the life He led. His was a lesson by example and not an
arrogant blessing of the people that surrounded Him. It is much like father’s today that carry
that torch of enlightenment from Saint Joseph.
Ours is to be a way of truth, a way of gathering, a way of faith and a
way of love.
Pope Benedict XVI once said that “to be a father means above all to be at the service of life and growth”. Through much hardship and happenstance, we
experience what it means to be human.
This brings us closer to not only Christ but to ourselves. By serving others, we are reminded of what we
have to be thankful of and of what seems to be in limited supply – a home, a
job, a family, food on the table and clothes on our backs. When we are thinking selfishly, we need to be
reminded of such blessings.
As fathers, we are just ordinary
people that are often relied upon to do extraordinary things. But these acts need not be acts of bravery or
periless flight, they can be as easy as sitting down and reading with your
daughter, playing catch with your son or saying prayers with the family. What we seem to expect of ourselves is often
far less than what our children expect of us.
During our lifetime, we are
constantly being shaped by the environment around us. Our family looks to us to be the calm in a
sea of storms. They see how we react to
tragedy and triumph as they transform themselves into images of us. We are the mold by which they shape their
lives and it is up to us to allow them the freedom to do so.
By letting our children make mistakes, it allows them to develop a way of coping with life. I learned from my own experience that failure is often a catalyst for success. There we find the knowledge to accomplish great things and to grow in faith to God. Saint Joseph had such an outlook on life. We, and him, are products of such sacrifice. Surround yourself with the things in life that matter. As a famous prayer once said, “May He grant you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change; courage to change the things you can; and the wisdom to know the difference”. For this is our way - man, woman or child – the Father’s way, forevermore.
May you follow the way, the truth and the light. May you have a humble and joyful Lent, may the wind be at your backs and may His peace be with you, always.