Do you have a devotion to St. Joseph? Has he helped you in a particular way?

Patrick Conley looks into the life and impact of St. Joseph with Fr. Matthew Spencer, a priest of the Oblates of St. Joseph and a longtime St. Joseph devotee. In fact, you probably remember Fr. Spencer from his past show on Relevant Radio! They chat about what makes this quiet yet powerful saint a model for all Catholics, especially those who long to serve God without the spotlight. Here's a peek at their conversation and some takeaways that'll make you want to keep St. Joseph closer in your spiritual life:

Why St. Joseph?

St. Joseph was chosen to be the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary, and that role came with unique responsibilities. In fact, he’s honored as the Patron of the Universal Church and known as the "Terror of Demons." 💪 If a saint with a title like that doesn’t grab your attention, what will?

The Legacy of St. Joseph’s Humility and Hard Work

Fr. Matthew, who belongs to a congregation founded by St. Joseph Morello (another St. Joseph fan!), describes how his community of priests strives to live simply, work hard, and stay out of the limelight. Their mission? To follow St. Joseph's lead in serving God humbly and faithfully without seeking attention. This call to humility is surprisingly refreshing in a world obsessed with self-promotion. Even if we’re not all called to lives of silence and hidden service, St. Joseph reminds us to focus more on God and less on our own "brand."

🛌 St. Joseph: Patron of a Peaceful Death

One of the most moving parts of this episode is Irene’s testimony. She shares how her husband, devoted to St. Joseph, passed away peacefully with a slight smile on his face: a smile she credits to St. Joseph’s intercession as the patron of a happy death. Tradition holds that St. Joseph died with Jesus and Mary by his side, making him a comforting figure for anyone hoping for a peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones and faith. It can be so painful to lose a loved one, but Irene was comforted knowing that St. Joseph was there to help her husband. 

Old Testament Connections: Joseph, Dreamer of Egypt

Have you ever thought about the intriguing parallels between St. Joseph of the New Testament and Joseph of Egypt in Genesis? Fr. Matthew Spencer's explanation of this will amaze you! Like his Old Testament namesake, St. Joseph received divine messages through dreams and protected God’s people. Joseph of Egypt saved his family from famine; St. Joseph saved the Holy Family from Herod. These connections show us that the Old and New Testaments are beautifully interwoven: St. Joseph's life reflects God's work in both. Pretty neat, huh?

So, What Can We Take Away?

Trust St. Joseph: When you’re facing struggles or need guidance, ask St. Joseph for his intercession. He’s powerful, even though he’s silent.

Embrace Humility: St. Joseph reminds us to serve quietly and faithfully, especially in a world that celebrates self-promotion.

Prepare for Eternity: Praying to St. Joseph for a peaceful death can be a huge comfort. Think of him as a heavenly “coach” for our last moments on earth.

So, if St. Joseph isn't part of your daily life yet, now's the time! From work and family life to preparing for eternity, he's got us covered. And hey, if he's the "Terror of Demons," maybe he can also help us battle a tough workday, family drama, or even that pesky to-do list. 😇💼🙏

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