The Life and Glories of St. Joseph

De: Edward Healy Thompson

Narrado por: Randy Hice

The main sources of information on the life of St. Joseph are contained in the first chapters of the first and third gospels. They are practically the only reliable sources we have of St. Joseph. From them, we know that he was a carpenter and a working man, for the skeptical Nazarenes say about Jesus, "Is this not the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55). Also, we know he was not wealthy because when he took Jesus to the Temple in order to be circumcised, he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, which was permitted only for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:24).

Despite his humble status, Joseph came from a royal lineage. For, the angel who first tells Joseph about Jesus greets him as "son of David". This royal title is used also for Jesus.

We know Joseph was a compassionate, caring man. For, when he discovered Mary was pregnant after they had been betrothed, knowing that a woman accused of adultery could be stoned to death, he decided to send her away quietly, so as not to expose her to shame or cruelty.

The full details about Joseph's life and his role in Jesus' life are expounded upon in this novel by Edward Healy Thompson (1813 - 1891), an English Roman Catholic writer. The book is a classic gem, helping the listener grow closer to this important saint and patron of the universal church.

Public Domain (P)2020 Patristic Publishing

Ite ad Ioseph

For a man that was only mentioned a few times in the New Testament of the Sacred Scriptures, and whose words were never recorded by the Evangelists, this book gave me an insight on how great and eminent in virtue and holiness St. Joseph was. St. Joseph is often called “The Silent” but his works and actions speak louder than words. Such was his dignity that God entrusted to his care the two holiest people to live on earth - Mary and Jesus. God has bestowed to him so many graces needed for such lofty mission. And now that St. Joseph enjoys the beatific vision in heaven, he who took care of and nurtured Jesus on earth, there is none that Our Lord would refuse to anyone who would ask for help through the intercession of His guardian here on earth. St. Teresa of Avila once said: “To other saints, Our Lord seems to have given power to succour us in some special necessity, but to this glorious saint (I know by my experience), he has given the power to help us in all things. Our Lord would have us understand that, as he was subject to Joseph on earth — St. Joseph, bearing the title of his father and being his guardian, could command him — so now Our Lord in heaven grants all his petitions.” Try it for yourself. Go to Joseph. You won’t be disappointed.