Pope Francis: “St Joseph experienced moments of difficulty, but he never lost faith and was able to overcome them, in the certainty that God never abandons us.”

To think about: Sometimes we think of saints as never having doubts or difficulties, but the saints were just like us. When you feel confused or alone, or when you have difficulties, remember that even those close to Jesus experienced the same, and turn to Joseph for help.

Pope Leo XIII: “In Joseph … heads of the household are blessed with the unsurpassed model of fatherly watchfulness and care.”

To think about: Many parents find the job difficult. Parents can remember that Joseph had to protect, teach, and perhaps discipline the child Jesus. Parents can look to Joseph for guidance as they care for their children. Joseph can be a patron for families who do not have a father in the home; go to Joseph and ask him to help you in this important job.

St. Leonard of Port Maurice: “All Christians belong to Joseph because Jesus and Mary belonged to him.”

To think about: Joseph cared for Jesus when He was hurt, taught Him his trade, and protected Him. We can also go to Joseph when we have a need, knowing that Joseph will guide us as well. Our stained glass windows that include Joseph depict him caring for Jesus and Mary - you can use them as a starting point for prayer.

St. Francis de Sales: “What a dignity to be the guardian of our Lord, and, not only that, but to be even his reputed father, to be the husband of his most holy Mother!”

St. Madeline Sophie Barat: “The two greatest personages who ever lived on this earth subjected themselves to [St. Joseph].”

Something to think about: We sometimes have a hard time doing what we are asked – especially when we think we have a better idea on how to do things. We also have a hard time being corrected. Jesus “was obedient to” Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51), even as he grew up!

St. Francis de Sales: “What a dignity to be the guardian of our Lord, and, not only that, but to be even his reputed father, to be the husband of his most holy Mother!”

To think about: Sometimes we feel burdened by our vocation in life, by our mission. Today, think about how the Lord has honored us by asking us to participate in the salvation of others (and of the world). He is relying on us! Like the apostles he had honored us by using us to spread the Gospel in our own little circle. Praise God! Today we celebrate Pentecost, the great event that emboldened the apostles to preach fearlessly. Let’s share the joy of the Gospel with those we meet this week.

Blessed Gabriele Allegra: “St. Joseph sweetly and continuously stimulates us to love, serve, and imitate the Queen of his heart, the Immaculate Mother of Jesus.”

To think about: Fr. Benedict Groeschel used to say that it must have been hard for St. Joseph to live with the Son of God and a sinless woman – if there was ever a disagreement he would be wrong, and this may be why in scripture he didn’t say a word. In truth, Joseph probably did follow Mary’s lead in many things. We should also love Mary and imitate her in her love of Jesus.

St. Teresa of Avila was a great advocate of devotion to St. Joseph. “I do not know how one can meditate on the care which the Blessed Virgin took of the Divine Child, without thanking St. Joseph for the care he likewise took of both the mother and the Child.”

To think about: Joseph protected and cared for Jesus Christ and Mary. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the care of children we forget about the care of the parents. When you are praying for the children in your life, remember to also pray for the mutual support of the parents and an increase in their ability to work together on parenting issues.

Venerable Pope Pius XII wrote “If Joseph was so engaged, heart and soul, in protecting and providing for that little family at Nazareth, don’t you think that now in Heaven he is the same loving father and guardian of the whole Church, of all its members, as he was of its Head on earth?”

St. Joseph Marello wrote “St. Joseph did not do extraordinary things, but rather by the constant practice of the ordinary and common virtue, he attained that sanctity which elevates him above all other saints.”

To think about: This is certainly doable in our own lives: the constant practice of ordinary and common virtues. Are we diligent with this? How can we become more diligent? How can we encourage other along the path?

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade wrote: “St. Joseph was not a passive instrument in the great work of our salvation; he played a very active role.”

To think about: Do we actively step out in faith to do the Lord’s work? Or are we more passive, waiting to be asked to do something? Don’t wait for someone to ask … visit your neighbor who lives alone, call your relative, invite a friend to a parish event, or start a conversation.

St. Josemaría Escrivá: Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his way of speaking. Jesus’ realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference for using everyday situations to give doctrine – all this reflects his childhood and influence of Joseph.

To think about: Are we good examples to those around us? Do we represent Christ as we should to our family, those with whom we work, or employees in businesses we frequent? Intentional disciples of Christ are called to model the Christian life everywhere.

Pope Francis: I have a great love for St. Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table, I have an image of St. Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church! Yes! We know he can do that. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph, so that he can dream about it! In other words, I tell him: “Pray for this problem!