Weekend Reflections for 2/26/21

St. Joseph is the light of all the patriarchs of the Old Testament.  He lives their virtues and even amplifies them in his life.  For instance, whereas Joseph of the Old Testament protected the food source of the world in Egypt, so does Joseph of the New Testament protect Jesus, the food source of the entire world (for up to seven years in Egypt say Aquinas and Bonaventure, until the death of Herod).

Our Gospel this Sunday magnifies the Old Testament personages of Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration.  St. Joseph surpasses Moses in his regular face-to-face conversations with God, for he did so daily with his son!  And as head of the Holy Family, Joseph led his family towards the promised land of heaven, the principal task of all fathers of families.  Greater than Elijah too, Joseph prophetically prepared both his son and his dear wife for their upcoming sacrifice, prophesied by Simeon.  After Mary, Joseph is by far the greatest of the saints, through his approximation to Christ.  This is the year of St. Joseph! 

Therefore, "Go to Joseph, and do whatever he tells you."  These inspired words from the Old Testament are meant for us today also.  If you would like to deepen your relationship with St. Joseph, my extended reflections here may be helpful:  https://vimeo.com/516746699

Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ