MARCH 19: SAINT JOSEPH
We can call Saint Joseph the forgotten member of the Holy Family. Let us read what Saint Bernadine has to say about Saint Joseph: Since the marriage between Mary and Joseph was a real marriage contracted by divine inspiration, and since marriage involves such a close union of souls that the bridegroom and bride are said to be one person, which may be called, as it were, the perfection of unity; ... Let us look at this holy marriage between the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. This marriage is the model of marriage. Notice that it is kept in virginity, so that the actual union of bodies never takes place. However, it was a true marriage in that these two souls were united as one, willing and wanting the exact same things.
For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. What God therefore has joined together, let no man put asunder. , Matthew 19:5-6. How can Mary and Joseph be two in one flesh, if they never consummated their union physically? Obviously they are giving us the perfect example of the meaning of this phrase, two in one flesh. This unity exists first and foremost on the intellectual and emotional level. For the union of bodies, which occurs in marriage, to have any meaning there must first be a union of minds into one mind. Married people must think out of the same head . Saint Paul compares the union of marriage to that of Jesus with His Church. The Church thinks exactly as Jesus does, just as the wife should think exactly like the husband. This is only possible when both think exactly as God does and follow His law exactly. Sin is the cause of disunity and failure in marriage. If your marriage is not good, then examine your conscience and get on your knees and pray for the unity Mary and Joseph have.
PRAYER: O, Saint Joseph, who was perfectly united to the most Blessed Virgin Mary in holy matrimony, make all marriages like unto thine. Inspire all husbands to become the head of their homes, leading their families on the road to heaven. Amen.
