March 19, 2020
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family and protector of the Universal Church. His feast day comes at a providential time as we continue to navigate the challenges of the Coronavirus locally and worldwide. St. Joseph was a man of faith, trust in God and strength especially when faced with incredible challenges and uncertainty in his life and the life of his family.
In today’s Gospel, Joseph’s world is upended with the news that Mary, his betrothed is with child and he is not the father. What’s more an angel communicated in a dream that Mary conceived the child by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel reassures Joseph with the words “be not afraid” for God is with him. Joseph responds with tremendous faith and trust and takes Mary into his home.
Shortly after Jesus is born in Bethlehem, Joseph is told in a dream that he must immediately flee his homeland in order to protect his newborn child from the murderous King Herod. He and his family make the long and difficult journey to Egypt not knowing how long they would have to live in a foreign land. Their lives were turned upside down. I’m sure Joseph wondered how to best protect and provide for his family, yet he had faith and trusted God would guide and take care of them when life didn’t make sense.
Joseph is someone we can all turn to today as a strong example of faith in God and His help amidst all of the dramatic changes that we have been experiencing on a daily basis. God will protect us and strengthen us amidst the storm. Let us heed the reassuring words of the angel “be not afraid” for God is with us and our loved ones amidst so much that can cause fear and worry.
If you have holy water in your home bless your children this feast day and every night. Pray for St. Joseph’s protection. I will sprinkle holy water along the boundaries of our parish to bless the homes of our whole parish, imploring the constant care of St. Joseph. If needed holy water is available in the large holy water font in St. Joseph’s side chapel in our church.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
St. Teresa, pray for us.
St. Corona, pray for us.
All Saints and Heavenly Angels, pray for us.
Yours in Christ,
Father Jamie Hottovy
*Note: Today at 3pm (CST), you are invited to join Pope Francis who will be praying the Holy Rosary. The Intention will be for an end to the spread of Coronavirus and for all those who are affected by it. The Rosary will be broadcast on Spirit Catholic Radio (102.7 FM) and on EWTN. If you are unable to pray at this time, please pray a rosary with your family this evening.