The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
When we talk about saints, we often highlight the bold ones—the ones who preached in the streets, founded missions, or died as martyrs. But today, we celebrate a man whose greatness was in his quiet faithfulness: St. Joseph.
The Gospel gives us an intimate glimpse into Joseph’s interior world. He’s just learned that Mary, his betrothed, is pregnant. Imagine the confusion, the hurt, the questions. He could have reacted with anger or self-righteousness. Instead, Joseph responds with what he perceives as mercy—he decides to divorce her quietly, avoiding public shame. But before he takes action, God steps in: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” (Mt 1:20)
Joseph wakes up and obeys. Just like that. No arguing, no delays, no asking for a sign—he simply trusts. In a world where we’re constantly told to chase our own plans, Joseph reminds us that true strength is found in surrender. He models a faith that doesn’t demand all the answers before taking the next step.
What would it look like if we lived like Joseph? If we listened more than we spoke? If we trusted God’s voice even when it led us down an unexpected path?
Joseph’s silence isn’t passive; it’s a radical openness to God’s will. His obedience is not weakness; it’s a deep confidence in God’s providence. Though his fatherhood is not biological, it shapes salvation history.
So today as we honor St. Joseph, let’s ask for his intercession. That we might be people of steady faith, quiet strength, and bold obedience—just like him.
Let's pray together:
St. Joseph,
You were not in control, yet you remained at peace.
You didn’t have all the answers, yet you trusted.
You weren’t in the spotlight, yet you played a role in salvation history.
Teach us to follow your lead.
To listen more and speak less.
To trust God’s voice, even when it disrupts our plans.
To love with quiet faithfulness, even when no one sees.
Be near us, Joseph, as we try to walk in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Pray for us as we learn to surrender, knowing that the Father’s plan is always greater than our own.
Amen.
Chenele Shaw is a former youth minister and theology teacher and a current young adult trying to live her life for Christ, frequent her therapist, and eat all the cheese! She serves as the co-founder of the Before Gethsemane Initiative, hosts a weekly pop culture podcast called Anti-Depressing, desires to be her authentic self and help others as well. You can find her watching reality tv, going to confession, and updating her Spotify playlists. Follow her on Instagram and say hey!