Sunday, May 31, 2009

Joseph Was What???

We had a guest speaker the other day at our church, who gave a very moving lecture on Joseph and Mary.

Some of the discussion was reflection on their Holiness, and some of it was thinking about what life for them was like. (You know I love doing that)

I almost fell off my chair, though, when our speaker said "Well, you know Joseph was only about 16 right?"

What??

The Earthly father of our Lord .... a teenager?

The strong carpenter I've seen in pictures - like the one in this post? A mere boy?

The blessed man who had the maturity to trust in God despite the "unique circumstances" around his wife? He was how young?

Sixteen??

Like I said, I was blown away.

I'm not sure why I never thought about it, to be honest. Probably because every statue and picture of Joseph shows him as ... well, older.

I knew Mary was probably young. And it would make sense to assume Joseph was around the same age. But I never took time to think about it.

Shame on me.

I know 16 back then was a lot more mature than 16 is now. But it still magnifies how amazing Joesph's (and Mary's) faith was.

St. Joseph, thank you for saying "yes" to God. Please help us to have the great faith and trust that you had.

God bless.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't know that about Joseph either. Thank you. It is mind boggling to think about. It always makes me wonder why the kids today are exposed to so much more and yet are so immature compared to back years and decades before. I don't know if I told you this before but I think the art work on your blog is just beautiful ♥

Happy Catholic said...

Michael

This post is fantastic - I never really bought the idea of St. Joseph as an 'old man'. I heard that it was once said the test of whether or not someone truly loves the Blessed Virgin is how devoted they are to St. Joseph. I have a feeling you are a favorite of both of theirs!!

Michael said...

Thank you Carol!

HC - from your lips to their ears in Heaven!