Episode 2992: St. Joseph, Guardian of the Church - Morning Episode

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Speak Lord for your Servant is Listening
Rosary – Join us tonight for the bead meditations – Glorious Mysteries
Book Recommendation of the Day
Against the Heathen and The Incarnation: St. Athanasius, defending Christ’s divinity.
St. Joseph, Guardian of the Church
Reflection on Humility and Obedience
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Introduction
• Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on the Feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and its significance in the Lenten season.
• St. Joseph stands as the model of humility, obedience, and trust in God a perfect saint to meditate on as we journey through Lent.
Name and Role in Divine Providence
• Joseph of the Old Testament was the son of Jacob (Israel), and he was chosen by God to save his family and provide for them in a time of famine.
• St. Joseph was chosen by God to protect and provide for the Holy Family, safeguarding the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.
Typology: Both Josephs were given divine missions to preserve life, acting as instruments of God’s providence.
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2. Righteous and Chaste Men
• Joseph of the Old Testament was known for his purity, resisting the temptation of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:7-12).
• St. Joseph was most chaste, protecting the perpetual virginity of Mary and remaining celibate in obedience to God’s will.
Typology: Both were models of chastity and virtue, preserving what was sacred.
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3. Receivers of Divine Dreams
• Joseph of the Old Testament had prophetic dreams revealing God’s plan (Genesis 37:5-11).
• St. Joseph received divine revelations through angelic dreams, guiding him to protect the Christ Child (Matthew 1:20-24; 2:13, 19-20).
Typology: Both Josephs were given supernatural insight through dreams and faithfully followed God’s instructions.
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4. Rejection and Suffering for God’s Plan
• Joseph of the Old Testament was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28).
• St. Joseph was rejected in the sense that he was forced to flee with Mary and Jesus due to Herod’s persecution (Matthew 2:13-15).
Typology: Joseph’s betrayal foreshadows Christ, who was betrayed by Judas for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). Likewise, St. Joseph suffered exile and hardship to safeguard Christ.
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5. Role as a Provider and Savior
• Joseph of the Old Testament was raised to a position of authority in Egypt, becoming Pharaoh’s right-hand man and saving his people from famine (Genesis 41:39-57).
• St. Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, charged with providing for the Redeemer, who would bring eternal salvation.
Typology: Joseph’s provision of bread in Egypt foreshadows Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), whom St. Joseph provided for and protected.
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6. Humility and Hiddenness
• Joseph of the Old Testament rose to power but remained humble, acknowledging that God was working through him (Genesis 50:20).
• St. Joseph lived a hidden life of humility, never speaking a word in Scripture but carrying out God’s will faithfully.
Typology: Both Josephs show that God works through humility, preparing the way for Christ, who humbled Himself for our salvation (Philippians 2:8).
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7. Reconciliation and Mercy
• Joseph of the Old Testament forgave his brothers, saying:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
• St. Joseph, as the father figure of Christ, was entrusted with raising the one who would bring perfect reconciliation between God and man.
Typology: The mercy of Joseph in the Old Testament foreshadows Christ’s mercy on the Cross (Luke 23:34).
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Conclusion: Joseph as a Type of Christ
Both Josephs were chosen instruments of divine providence. The Old Testament Joseph foreshadowed the suffering, exaltation, and mission of Christ, while St. Joseph was given the role of protecting, providing for, and raising Christ Himself.
Their lives teach us about trust in God’s plan, humility, purity, suffering, and divine mission all virtues that ultimately point us to Christ.
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Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6
"Beloved of God and men, whose memory is in benediction. He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of His people, and showed His glory to him."
Reflection:
• St. Joseph, though silent in Scripture, was beloved by God and exalted in holiness.
• He was a man of hidden virtue, much like the saints who lived in quiet obedience to God’s will.
• In a world that glorifies ambition, St. Joseph teaches us the greatness of humility and fidelity to duty.
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Gospel: Matthew 1:18-21
"When Mary His mother was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: 'Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.'"
Reflection:
1. St. Joseph’s Justice and Mercy
o He was called a just man—not only in adhering to the Law but in showing mercy.
o He teaches us that true justice is always accompanied by charity and wisdom.
2. Obedience to Divine Providence
o Joseph’s plans were changed by God, yet he embraced them without hesitation.
o This reminds us to trust in God’s will, even when it contradicts our expectations.
3. St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Family
o Just as he guarded Jesus and Mary, he remains the guardian of the Church today.
o In times of crisis, devotion to St. Joseph is a powerful refuge.
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1. St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Principal Feast Day)
o Patron of the Universal Church, Fathers, and Workers.
o Honored as the Terror of Demons for his role in defending the Holy Family.
o He teaches us purity, patience, and trust in Divine Providence.
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Themes of the Day
1. The Virtue of Humility
o True greatness is found in hidden service.
o St. Joseph is a model for fathers, priests, and all those entrusted with responsibilities.
2. Obedience to God’s Will
o Even when God’s plan is unexpected, we must respond with trust, as Joseph did.
3. St. Joseph as Our Protector
o In times of uncertainty, we should turn to St. Joseph for guidance and protection.
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Quotes for Reflection
• "I do not remember that I have ever asked anything of him which he has not granted." – St. Teresa of Avila on St. Joseph.
• "Go to Joseph." – Genesis 41:55 (applied to St. Joseph as a spiritual protector).
• "St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect our families and the Church!"
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Conclusionary Prayer
"Glorious St. Joseph, foster father of our Lord Jesus Christ, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and protector of the Church, we entrust ourselves to your paternal care. Teach us to live with the same humility, obedience, and trust in Divine Providence that you exemplified. In these days of trial, be our refuge and protector, guarding our families from all evil. Intercede for us, that we may be found worthy to serve Our Lord with purity and faithfulness. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us! Amen."
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Closing Remarks
• Thank you for joining us today as we reflected on the Feast of St. Joseph.
• May we seek his intercession and follow his example of humility, obedience, and devotion to Christ.
• Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.