We recognize Joseph as our father. We also recognize Joseph as the virginal father of Jesus and Joseph's total gift of himself to Jesus, living the Family Covenant. But what of our relationship to Joseph? Sure, we are to do like Jesus and give ourselves completely to Joseph, but can Joseph do the same to us?

Indeed, Joseph can and should. Joseph is not God, so he does not do so by his own power. Truly, Joseph has never done anything without God's power. He has always relied on God completely. And giving of himself completely to his children is no exception. So, being in Heaven, what can Joseph give to us? What does Joseph have that we lack besides being in Heaven?

Before we look past the being in Heaven part, let's fully contemplate it. If we give everything to Joseph and he gives everything to us, Heaven is what we gain. Joseph can share with us Heaven. Anything else is just extra. Heaven is the proper fulfillment to a life well-lived. Anything less would not be a life well-lived. And while we can go to Heaven without living a family covenant with Joseph, it is a whole lot easier, since we have the fatherly assistance of Joseph who has authority over Jesus and Mary. If we have a need and we "go to Joseph" [Genesis 41:55], we can consider it done. Not by our will, but in the best way according to the Father's Will. "Thy will be done."

Back to the question, what do we lack that Joseph has besides Heaven? Grace... a multitude of grace. For all the difficult situations in our life, we need grace. But also the eyes of faith, "walk[ing] by faith [and] not by sight" [2 Corinthians 5:7] to allow God to work in our lives. Not just in bearing the sufferings that we will no doubt encounter, but to enjoy the blessings. Too often we live in our sufferings and fail to see our many, many blessings. Got food, got shelter, can you read this reflection? Our blessings are more numerous than we can imagine. When we live in our sorrows in a time of joy, we ruin both.

Recall the parable Jesus tells about new wine being put in old wineskins. [Matthew 6:14] The wineskin bursts and both are ruined. Jesus tells this parable after telling the crowd how His disciples cannot fast while they are with Him, the Bridegroom. If you are fasting when you should be feasting, both are ruined. When you are sad when you should be happy, both are ruined.

Joseph, we entrust ourselves to you. Grant us the graces that we need to reach Heaven, especially in our dying moments. Do as a father and provide for, reconcile, guide, and protect us living our family covenant with you. Amen.