Saint Joseph: Protector and Defender - Weekday Homily Video

In the Gospel of Matthew, following the genealogy of Christ, we are introduced to Joseph. Let me share with you a remarkable story I once came across, a story of courage, trust, and unseen protection.

In a small tribal community, young boys were trained to grow into brave, strong men. The most challenging test came on the evening of their thirteenth birthday—a night they would never forget. After years of learning skills like hunting, fishing, and exploring the forest, they faced their final trial: to spend an entire night alone in the dense forest.

Blindfolded and taken miles deep into the woods, a boy would be left there, utterly alone. When the blindfold was removed, he could hear the footsteps of the elders who brought him there slowly fade away as the thick darkness of the forest surrounded him. Every sound—the snap of a branch, the rustle of leaves—felt like a predator lurking, ready to pounce. The boy’s heart raced with fear. His imagination ran wild, and the night felt endless.

But then, as dawn began to break and the golden rays of sunlight spilled through the trees, the boy saw something unexpected. Just a few feet away stood a figure—his father, armed and watchful. All night long, his father had been there, silently guarding him, ready to intervene at the first sign of danger. The boy hadn’t seen him, but the father had never left his side.

What a beautiful image of God’s loving protection over us. What an image for Saint Joseph, guarding God’s Son. In the fullness of time, God the Father entrusted His most precious treasure—His Beloved Son—to a human protector, Saint Joseph. Joseph was chosen to care for and defend Jesus, the Redeemer of the world, and in this extraordinary role, he teaches us profound lessons about faith, courage, and trust.

Obedience

First, Saint Joseph was obedient to God’s voice.

When Joseph found himself in a moment of confusion, unsure of what to do, he remained open to the promptings of God. In a dream, the angel spoke to him, and Joseph’s response was immediate: “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him …” (Matthew 1:24). He didn’t argue. He didn’t delay. Joseph trusted in God’s plan even when it wasn’t clear. Are we willing, like Joseph, to listen in humility and act in obedience, even when the path ahead feels uncertain?

Sacrifice

Second, Joseph teaches us the meaning of sacrifice.

He endured countless challenges—the social humiliation of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, the arduous journey to Bethlehem, and the flight into Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. Joseph bore the hardships of travel, migration, and poverty to protect Jesus and Mary. Love compelled him to put their needs above his own comfort. In our lives, do we allow love to move us to acts of self-sacrifice for the good of others?

Humility

Finally, Joseph embraced the humility of playing a “hidden role” in God’s plan.

Saint Joseph lived in the background of our salvation story, yet his role was essential. He shared his life with the two holiest people in the world—Jesus and Mary—but chose to remain silent and unseen, a steady presence of strength and protection like the father in the tribal story, always watchful. Joseph reminds us that greatness in God’s kingdom often means stepping out of the limelight. It is in humility and service, not recognition and fame, that we fulfill God’s will. Do we have the courage to embrace roles that are unseen, unnoticed, and humble?

May Saint Joseph inspire us to trust in God’s providence and to become protectors and defenders for those around us. In every trial, in every fear, let us remember, God is near. His love surrounds us like the watchful father in the forest, and He will never leave our side.

• Today’s Readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page. 

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