St Augustine said, "the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New." So, what clues can we find of Joseph in the Old Testament? Who from the Old Testament can provide them? Joseph. Not our Joseph, but Joseph from the Old Testament. So, what are their similarities?

Old Testament Joseph was banished to Egypt by his brothers. Our Joseph was sent to Egypt, in a sense, banished by his brethren that did not, or could not, stand up to the evil plot of Herod. Old Testament Joseph was the dream guy, becoming the interpreter of dreams for pharaoh. Our Joseph interpreted his dreams properly and was the New Testament dream guy. Both cared for and saved their families in Egypt. Old Testament Joseph by being placed in charge of Egypt, second only to pharaoh, and feeding his brothers when they came during a great famine. Our Joseph saved his family by coming to Egypt and provided for them there.

What else can we draw from Old Testament Joseph? An upright man that remained pure even in a most trying situation. His master's wife was throwing herself at Joseph daily with promises that no one would know. As a model of Old Testament purity, he denied her every request. Enraged, she accused him of trying to take advantage of her and he was put in jail. And we see in our Joseph the model of purity. Being the safeguard of Mary's virginity, he would have been a virgin as well. One of his titles is the Most Chaste Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Indeed, it is his title for his main feast on March 19th.

Like Old Testament Joseph, our Joseph denies all requests of lust. And as our father, he has a duty to protect us from requests of lust. We need such help, especially from our father. He has the strength and duty to do so. As pharaoh told those in need, "go to Joseph." [Genesis 41:55]. That applies now more than ever before, whether it be for purity or any other need. That is what you do with dad. You ask him for help when you need it.

Joseph, you were pre-figured in the Old Testament when Old Joseph saved and cared for the Israelites, God's people. We ask you to take care of us, God's Family, by your fatherly love for us. Amen.