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In
Search of the Spirit
A
monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office
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January 2006
In the Footsteps of St. Joseph
Father Steve has invited Glenmary associate vocation director Kyle Brandon to serve as a guest columnist for this issue of In Search of the Spirit.
While Christmas is still fresh in my mind, I would like to reflect on the fruitfulness of a single “yes” to God. What could a “yes” to God’s plan mean for your vocation? How will your life change?
Much can and should be said of Mary’s world changing yes, but we often neglect the impact of her betrothed’s yes. Joseph not only risked the rejection of Nazareth where the Holy Family would eventually settle, but that of his family and friends as well. He didn’t know how, but he knew his life plans would alter forever. Not to mention that all of this hardship was based on saying “yes” to an angel in a dream who claimed to speak for God. All of this must have been somewhat disconcerting to Joseph but, as far as we know, he never wavered in faith. Scripture seems to indicate that he quietly and humbly fulfilled his duty.
Joseph must have realized quickly that following this vocation wasn’t going to make things easier. Have you ever considered why Mary and Joseph stayed in a stable when they traveled to Bethlehem, his ancestral hometown? Did Joseph have no remaining family? I suspect that, as a result of his following God’s will and choosing to stand with Mary, he experienced rejection by his family, who did not understand this virginal conception. In Scripture Joseph remains silent, offering no defense against the shame of his future wife’s untimely pregnancy.
The cover of the most recent Glenmary Challenge speaks of Joseph’s willingness to follow wherever God might lead, even to becoming a refugee. Can you imagine leading a family which included the only two sinless humans on the planet? Leading them to an unfamiliar foreign country? Leading to a place where the rhythms and supports of daily life are turned upside down? But many times I think we overlook Joseph’s deep personal sacrifices in choosing to foster-father the Son of God. Quiet, courageous and deeply humble, this is the man that taught Jesus to be a man. Isaiah 53:7 comes to mind: “Like a lamb led to slaughter, he opened not his mouth.” Jesus learned this profound courage, at least in part, from Joseph. And Joseph modeled the actions that helped teach Jesus to be strong and courageous yet meek and humble.
We will not be asked to foster-father the Son of God. But Jesus offers us a variety of challenges that fit our gifts. Maybe we are called to enter into a family situation where we do not feel welcome. Maybe we are preparing for a long journey where we don’t know the end. Maybe God is calling us to a vocation that seems too hard. Joseph chose God over himself and even his family. Is Christ calling us to choose him at a personal loss this year? Will we suffer the rejection of family members and friends? This sacrifice puts us in good company—following a path in the footsteps of St. Joseph.
