The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
I’ve always wanted to be a dad and lead my family on a lifelong pilgrimage to the Father. I’ve envisioned events such as taking my child be baptized or praying with my wife before bed. But at times, I’ve found my impatient self asking God why this desire of my heart isn’t happening according to my design or my timeline.
Joseph, “since he was a righteous man,” probably had similar thoughts and feelings as he thought about his holy Jewish family-to-be. This descendant of King David may have envisioned taking his first born to the temple and offering him to the Father or fantasized about leading his blushing bride in the Passover celebration. What Joseph most likely didn’t imagine is that this young virgin to whom he was legally married would be found to be with child before she had even moved in to his home.
How heartbroken Joseph must have been at this news as he already profoundly loved Our Blessed Virgin with a love that continues to surpass any married love that would ever be. Being a holy man, Joseph probably fell prayerfully at the knees of the Father and renewed his devotion to understand His will. Still, he may have found himself asking God why the desires of his heart were dashed and hope seemed lost.
When he turned to the Father with a trusting heart, Joseph was stripped of the demons of turmoil and worry, leaving in their place trust and peace. For when the angel explained the Father’s will, Joseph’s fears faded and his will united with the Father’s. God’s plans for Joseph’s family were boundlessly greater than any fantasy he could have ever anticipated.
When we have detailed plans or preconceived notions for our lives, we may find it hard to trust in God’s goodness and providence when things aren’t coming to pass as we’d hoped. Inevitably, the Lord has more beauty and goodness in store for us than we could have possibly imagined. Ask the intercession of our Savior’s adopted father, approach the Father with a willing heart, and the demons of doubt, anxiousness, and impatience will be cast aside.
St Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Tomás Aguilar is a Marine Corps Officer from Pennsylvania stationed in Okinawa, Japan. When not in uniform you can find him on a mountain hiking, under the sea snorkeling, in the car singing, or in the kitchen cooking. Check out his Instagram to see his world travels, his love of Catholic Meme dealing, and his attempts to find the face of Christ in his everyday life.