On the day he was elected, Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger said: “I am a humble servant in the vineyard of the Lord.”
Let us take a look at some of the "Josephs" we know in life, and in scripture. We may discover this Lent, that silent prayer is the pulsing heart of faith.
The first Joseph is the second youngest son of the dozen sons of the biblical patriarch Jacob.
Jacob so openly favored his son Joseph that the brothers envied him.
That envy turned into hatred when Joseph shared a dream with his brothers, that their sacks of grain would bow to his. So they plotted to kill him, but in a turn of events, they seized the opportunity to sell him to a passing caravan for 20 pieces of silver.
Joseph became a favorite of Pharaoh as an interpreter of dreams, and as his chief steward, wisely storing up grain in the good years against the coming lean years of famine.
When Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt looking for food to avert starvation, Pharaoh tells them, “Go to Joseph.”
Joseph and his merciful words of forgiveness softened and healed the wounded hearts of his traitorous brothers, when he generously agreed to help them, speaking the memorable phrase: “I am Joseph, your brother.”
In Montreal, atop Mount Royal, topped by a massive green dome of aged copper, sits the basilica of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, the largest shrine in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph. The humble miracle worker of Mount Royal, Saint Brother Andre, founded Saint Joseph’s Oratory. The large statue of Saint Joseph at the base of Mount Royal says in Latin, “Ite ad Joseph," or "Go to Joseph" - the favorite brief prayer of Brother Andre.
Of course, Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, of all the men in the world of all ages, was chosen by the Eternal Father, to protect, guide, educate, love, and honor God’s only Son, Jesus.
Joseph utters not one word in the Gospels but learns in his own dreams of God’s plan, and he follows those plans in obedience and love.
The much-loved Saint Pope John XXIII thoroughly enjoyed greeting people with a broad smile and joyful embrace, especially as pope, using his own middle name, Giuseppe, Joseph, telling them warmly, “I am Joseph, your brother.“
Finally, Joseph Ratzinger, the humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord shared this amazing truth of God’s heart:
“Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”
If your family has any need, go to Joseph. He is a powerful friend in heaven for every member of the family.
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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