Saint Joseph in Dark Times

During the Holy Family's exile in Egypt, it must have been tempting to think that perhaps Jesus was not the Messiah who would save His people from their sins. The journey was uncertain. The destination unclear. The future hidden in darkness. Yet St. Joseph remained faithful, protecting the Child Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary through this trial.

Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, reflects on this profound truth, drawing parallels between the Holy Family's experience and the challenges facing the Church today. As attacks on the Church continue to grow and her teachings seem shrouded in darkness, even her sacraments appearing obscured, we face moments that test our faith. If we think back to the pandemic, when all was halted for several months, it can be tempting to think that the Church is not saving people from their sins.

But just as in the dark and hidden times of Egypt, whatever dark and hidden times the Church goes through, St. Joseph will be there to protect, nourish, and guide us. He has been entrusted with this role by God Himself. As the foster father of Jesus, he now serves as the spiritual father of the entire Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.

This is not merely poetic language. It is salvation history. Saint Joseph played a significant role in Christ's first coming, protecting and caring for His body. Likewise, he will protect and care for Christ's mystical body, especially immediately before His second coming. Just as he protected Jesus from Herod's threat, he protects the Church from real attacks threatening destruction.

In times of uncertainty, we are called to have strong and persevering faith. Saint Joseph's example teaches us to trust God's plan even when it takes us by surprise. He teaches us to patiently endure the hiddenness of Jesus before Christ's full manifestation of glory. This is the virtue of hope, sustained by the intercession of the Holy Family's protector.

The Church is equipped to fight spiritual disease. But God is calling our attention, especially now, to go to St. Joseph. Just as Israel went to Joseph in times of famine, the Church, the new Israel, must go to Saint Joseph in this time of moral and spiritual famine.