Walking Toward Bethlehem: Husbands, look to St. Joseph

by: Sam Muller, Leader Couple, Lafayette, LA.

I'm often fascinated by the life of St. Joseph. So little is known about one of the most important figures of the New Testament. Yet, the few details of his life and faith serve as a model to all husbands. Advent, in particular, always draws me into deeper reflection on the life of St. Joseph. After all, as husbands, we are the spiritual heads of our family, and we are preparing our hearts and homes for the birth of Christ. But how do we best accomplish this? How do we conform our hearts to the ways of St. Joseph?

It often feels like the interior life of St. Joseph is not made obvious. The Gospel doesn't devote space to the inner stirrings of his heart. Likewise, I feel like the interior life of many husbands is not frequently made known. If you're like me, you might struggle to share those inner stirrings from the Holy Spirit, even with your spouse who knows you most intimately. And while there is a certain richness of faith that comes from quietly serving my family, I feel challenged beyond this: beyond the point of self-preservation. My spouse should know the inner conversations of my heart; though, it can feel risky. The secular world makes no place for the feelings of men. But the gift of marriage grants me an assurance and comfort in the form of conjugal spirituality. My marriage is indeed the space to share this depth, and God encourages me to do so.

Despite the brevity of description of him in the Gospel, St. Joseph is described by many as the patron of interior life. His interior life is characterized by his purity of heart, devotion, and faithfulness. He clearly wasn't just a quiet, loyal, and economic support to Mary; there was an unquantifiable depth to his soul. It makes me wonder: what were those conversations like on his way to Bethlehem with Mary? What were his fears? What was he thinking about the events to follow? How vulnerable was he in sharing himself? This Advent, I think I can most conform to the ways of St Joseph by sharing the inner workings of the Holy Spirit with my spouse, as we walk toward Bethlehem together, preparing for that Holy Night.

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