During Lent we meditate on the Way of the Cross, which tradition indicates that the Blessed Mother was the first to have walked the Via Dolorosa after Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. As we sing the 13th-century Latin hymn, Stabat Mater, portraying the suffering of the Virgin Mary, during the crucifixion of Jesus, it unites us with her suffering. Similarly, the Catholic tradition also speaks about the sorrows of St Joseph, his personal sorrowful, Via Dolorosa of Christ.

Today is the Solemnity of St Joseph, a feast day that almost always comes during the season of Lent. St Joseph suffered greatly because he, through a vision, as tradition indicates, knew about the passion of Christ. He loves Jesus and Mary dearly, and the love between them was so great and astounding that their sorrow was equally great. The gospels do not have any spoken account of St Joseph, however, in silence, he speaks to us and leads us to Christ.

Why do we have to mediate on the suffering of Christ? We, at times, wonder, why not just focus on the good and joyful spirituality and overlook the suffering, the sorrow, and the pain of Christ. However, our Catholic tradition and the lives of saints, who loved Christ dearly, focus on the sufferings of Christ because it is the sufferings of Christ that we unite ourselves with Him. Many times, meditating on the sufferings of Christ seems to be beyond our understanding. However, those who love Christ dearly know this great mystery of suffering and bear all things patiently. St Joseph, Mirror of patience, pray for us.

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)