St. Joseph, a man who said nothing in the Gospels but who is written about often by Popes, has many attributes that are perfect for the times in which we live.
That was the message of Bishop Alfred Schlert in his homily at a special Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Siena on the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
We live in very stressful, and very distressing, times, Bishop Schlert said, in our Church, in our country, and around the world, and not only because of the pandemic. St. Joseph’s attributes are something to which we all can aspire, he said. Here is an overview:
St. Joseph is called the Terror of Demons, which is important in a world so divided, so full of lies. Satan is the master of lies, of division, of doubletalk.
St. Joseph is the model of humility, a beautiful example for us in a world of self-centeredness, a world seeking attention, of people trying to be influencers, and in a society that seeks to cancel both lives and reputations.
St. Joseph is a model of diligent work, perfect for a world where sacrifices are thought to be something to be avoided.
St. Joseph is a model of marital love. How necessary right now, the Bishop said, when we see some questioning the structure and composition of marriage.
St. Joseph is a model of masculinity, he said, when gender is another thing that some people try to manipulate, to put up for grabs, playing the role of the Creator instead of the created.
St. Joseph is a model of holiness in a world when every form of hedonism is readily available and is, in fact, celebrated.
St. Joseph is a model of living in the Real Presence of Christ. It is a core belief of Catholics that Jesus – his body, his blood, his soul, and his divinity -- are present in the Holy Eucharist.
We are especially blessed, Bishop Schlert said, that this Year of St. Joseph is also occurring as the Diocese of Allentown is about to begin celebrating its 60th anniversary as a Diocese, 60 years under the patronage of our diocesan patron, Mary, Mother of the Church.
“Isn’t it beautiful that Mary is our patroness, and this year, we celebrate, along with her, her husband, Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, and Protector of the Church,” Bishop Schlert said. “How blessed we are as a Diocese!”
A video of the Mass in its entirety can be seen here.
The Bishop also announced the Year of the Real Presence in the Diocese of Allentown. See the full article here.
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