Hidden Meaning

We celebrate today the feast of St. Joseph – patron of the Universal Church, patron of a happy death, patron of making sense out of life.  At least for me, Joseph is the one I look to when I have my plans made and God decides to intervene. The anguish Joseph must have experienced upon hearing of Mary’s pregnancy must have stretched his faith to the limit.  Just when things were falling into place in his life, God turned things upside down.

Perhaps Mary would have understood his situation best, considering her recent encounter with God’s “surprises.”  What amazing conversations Mary and Joseph must have had as their lives unfolded!  And while we may not experience the same visions or dreams of angels, I think we’ve all known the trauma of having our plans turned inside out.

An article from our Constitutions comes to mind:  “The meaning of the obedience [or life’s happenings] asked of us can occasionally remain hidden. Such obedience, like Mary’s fiat, is a surrender of love made in faith, leading through darkness to light.” 

Let’s go to Mary and Joseph for help in “making sense” of what lies before us. After all, they seem to be the experts!