Saint Joseph, in tune with Lent, transmits sobriety and depth, simplicity and silence, prayer and austerity.
Years ago, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, “Let us be invaded by the silence of Saint Joseph.” We are so used to life surrounded by noise that we think it would be impossible for us to live without it. However, what happens is the opposite. Noise prevents us from hearing or perceiving the great truths of life; blinds us from seeing God when he passes through our lives; and blocks the breath of the Spirit that speaks softly in those who want to live according to the values of the gospel.
As we celebrate Saint Joseph today, and together with him, his silence, we recognize by his obedience and the absence of his words in the Gospel that he is an example of discipleship for us.
By celebrating Saint Joseph today, and together with him, his silence, we recognize that Joseph’s obedience and the absence of his words in the Gospel is a treasure and example for us. St. Joseph, like Mary, teaches us to be great from humility. He invites us to trust the Creator even when things apparently go against us. And he induces us to get on our way knowing that we are supported by hope.
My dear sisters and brothers, only from silence, with silence and in silence, will we be able to understand, live and feel the presence of God as Joseph experienced it. His silence is for us a pearl, a model, a response to our faith. Do we trust God? Do we want, like Saint Joseph, to know and love God more? Let’s be silence. Let’s forget ourselves and think more about others. Let’s open our lips a little less and open our ears a little more!