ST. JOSEPH REVEALED
+ IMMACULATE or SANCTIFIED?
+ YOUNG VIRGIN or OLD WIDOWER?
+ ASSUMED or IN THE TOMB?
Joseph was eighteen years of age when, his parents departed from this earthly life. He waited on his mother, strengthening and comforting her in her pain, begging God to give her patience in her agonizing illness (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 39).The holy youth spent many nights watching over his mother and praying for her. He never tired of serving and comforting her with his holy love. Joseph remained with her until she expired. He was a great help not only to her, but also to his father, who was sorely grieved over the loss of so virtuous a companion in life (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 40).
St. Joseph, suffering the loss of his mother, had little time to grieve, as it was soon after her departure that his father had become ill. He would continue in his role as devoted son to his father, just as he had done for his mother, ministering to him in his final moments:
It was not long afterwards that Joseph’s father became deathly sick. Joseph himself had been weakened considerably during the period of his mother’s painful illness, to which was now added his father’s serious affliction.
… Joseph tended and served his father affectionately, both day and night, and encouraged him in the patient endurance of his sufferings and anxieties. As his father’s last hours arrived, Joseph attended him lovingly, encouraging … and consoling him. Then fully resigned with a firm hope of obtaining eternal life, Joseph’s father finally expired. Once his father had breathed his last, Joseph withdrew and allowed himself to find relief in tears. Indeed, he had every reason to be sorrowful, considering what a generous and loving father he had lost (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 41).
Joseph fell upon his knees, and in tears, besought the Divine Majesty for aid with these words:“Oh God … Look down upon me, deprived of both father and mother. I beg You, that in Your goodness You take me entirely under Your protection. I give and surrender myself entirely to You. … Since I am no longer subject to anyone but You, my God, give me the needed grace, so that I too may be able to say with the royal prophet:
‘My father and mother have left me, but the Lord has taken me up’ (Psalm 27:10). Do with me as it pleases You. May Your holy will be accomplished in me (C. Baij, 1997, pg. 44).”