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What he said
Saint Bernadine of Siena said of Joseph, "God called Joseph home, saying, 'Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.'"
What the world was like
During the time of Joseph, people worked hard to earn money for food. Many people were shepherds, farmers, potters, fishemen, or craftsmen. Sons usually worked with their fathers in their fathers' jobs.
Women were very busy. They had to care for the children, tend to the garden, bake and cook, and wash clothes. There was no running water or machines to help them. They drew water from a well, traveled to the market to buy things they needed.
Most people believed that they honored God through their work.
Who he was
Joseph was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Joseph worked as a carpenter in the town of Nazareth. He was not wealthy even though Joseph's ancestor was King David, the greatest king of Israel.
Joseph was a man of great compassion. He was also a man of faith. Joseph strived to do the will of God, no matter what God asked of him. In a dream, an angel told Joseph the truth about Mary and the child she was carrying. Without questioning the angel, Joseph married Mary. The angel returned after Jesus had been born to warn him that he and his family were in danger. Again Joseph did not question what the angel told him, but took Mary and Jesus to a new country. He stayed with his family in Egypt until the angel let him know it was all right to return to Nazareth. Each year, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. This was difficult for Joseph because of his work.
Joseph loved Jesus very much. He did his best to make sure that Jesus was safe and well cared for. Joseph was very worried when one day Jesus stayed behind in the temple and could not be found.
There is no mention of Joseph during Jesus' three years of public ministry. There is also no mention of Joseph during Jesus' suffering, death, and Resurrection. It is believed that Joseph died before Jesus began his public ministry.
What this saint means to us
Joseph obeyed God throughout his whole life, even when he did not understand what was being asked of him. He remained strong in faith, believing that God would protect him; Joseph, in turn, protected and cared for Mary and Jesus.
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