Most Faithful

When a man has faith, he is in possession of something invaluable, something that acts as an impenetrable bulwark against life's suffering and trials. Think of a man of true faith whom you've encountered. Men like this are constructed from something otherworldly, almost as if they don't live by the same norms, maxims and values most commonly found among men. They have a resolve that defies what most consider reasonable. No matter the era or circumstance, a man of true faith lives with his compass directed towards God, overcoming any and all obstacles.^viii

St. Joseph is the model of this kind of faith. Joseph knew, with a certainty beyond human reason, that the voice of God had spoken to him to take Mary as his wife, and he responded with generous faith. His faith never wavered through all the uncertainty and trials of the life of the Holy Family. He never doubted the divinity of Jesus or his power to conquer evil. To the world, Jesus looked like an ordinary child, but St. Joseph knew he was God.

The greatest fear of any father is failing to protect and provide for their families. Fathers also have to contend with the innumerable threats that lie in wait for their children in the spiritual and moral sphere. What will be on TV at their friend's home? Will someone show pornography on their smart phone? What leering looks or vulgar comments might their daughters face? What bullying or peer pressure towards evil will they be subjected to?

In many such situations, fathers will not be able to be present to protect their families. Therefore, we must rely on the spiritual weapons available to us as powerful defenses: the intercession of our spiritual father, St. Joseph, as well as our own Guardian Angels and those Angels assigned by God to watch over the members of our families. To raise a child today as a faithful Catholic takes a commensurate level of faith: the more severe the danger, the greater the faith that is required.

St. Joseph, Most Faithful, pray for us and for our families! Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Compose a simple prayer to your guardian angel and ask God to help you be aware of their presence, their spiritual weapons and heavenly aid. Reflect on Ephesians 6: 10-17, "Put on the Armor of God".