By Romano M. Bulatao, PhD.
March 19 is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of Mary. In the Gospel accounts, one may notice that there were not many details and elaborations about Saint Joseph. In fact, the name of Joseph appeared only a few times in the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke, (e.g., Mt.1-2, Lk.1). What is remarkable though is that during these few times that the name of Joseph is mentioned were the crucial events in the life of Mary and the child Jesus. For Pope Francis, “God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him someone who would not only save her life but would always provide for her and her child.” In other words, Saint Joseph has supported and protected Mary and the child Jesus during these hard times when the life situations of both were at stake.
Pope Francis states that “the greatness of Saint Joseph is that he was the spouse of Mary and the father of Jesus.” As a husband, Saint Joseph was portrayed as loyal, gentle, loving, and caring to his wife Mary. As a father, he provided material and religious sustenance, protection, guidance, and teachings to the child Jesus because Joseph is known to be a faithful Jew. As a person, Saint Joseph is believed to be a religious man and a humble one as a carpenter. Pope Francis contends that “Saint Joseph was a carpenter who earned an honest living to provide for his family. As a worker, Saint Joseph is called by many as “the silent worker.”
Obviously, Saint Joseph was portrayed in the Gospel stories as “a silent man” in the sense that he never spoke. And yet, it is important to know that while he was so silent, his actions spoke louder than any words he could even utter. Moreover, Saint Joseph is a man of vision towards the mission. He has the capacity to understand the will of God and act on it in the best way he can. On the one hand, Saint Joseph seemed not to be highlighted in the Gospel stories but on the other hand, it seems that this kind of portrayal was intentional for us to notice that his “insignificance” teaches us an important aspect of life that is “being silent.” From the letters of the word “silent,” we can come up with another word, “listen,” which is precisely a typical characteristic of Saint Joseph. In the silence of his dream, “God revealed his saving plan to Joseph,” says Pope Francis. Indeed, Saint Joseph was receptive to the will of God and he immediately acted on it. While it is true that he was seldom mentioned in the Gospels, there were at least three instances when we encounter this phrase, “when Joseph awoke, he did as the Lord has commanded him to do.”
Today, the world is enveloped by a lot of noise. The global unrest in the political and socio-economic issues are everywhere. Wars, inflations and political disunity are the headlines for each day. The question is, “do we still have hope amidst seemingly hopeless situations?” This year, the Church celebrates the Jubilee year of Hope. Pope Francis inspiringly utters, “Hope does not disappoint!” Guided by the example of Saint Joseph, we can draw some drops of hope in the world full of challenges and uncertainties! The noises around can be countered by the deafening silence of Saint Joseph. Because being silent definitely paves the way to silent experiences – the chances to listen and rediscover essential values needed at present. Like Saint Joseph, being “silent” may bring people to “listen” to the signs of the time. In the eyes of faith, people will be able to see clearly God’s message in silence. In the words of Pope Francis, “the spiritual path that Joseph traces for us is not one that explains, but accepts.” We must be receptive to the will of God like Saint Joseph who was “silent” and yet acts “loudly” in accordance with the plan of God for the good of humanity and the whole of creation.
In the Philippines, the complexity of the chaotic situation was escalated by the “noises” of those who would not want unity to prevail. Many are not ready to “listen” because of the “noise” of pride and evilness. If only people give time to be “silent” and listen to the cry of the poor. At this point, belonging to any color is not the issue, but more of what becomes of the people especially the poor that matters the most! As humans, being bias, frail, and selfish are but part. And yet, humans are embodied spirit who are endowed by faith to “move mountains” and see beyond the naked eyes can see. Although Saint Joseph was portrayed as seemingly “insignificant” because of his being silent, he displayed a great role in his care and love for Mary and the child Jesus. Like Saint Joseph, Filipinos must work silently and collectively towards building the Kingdom of God here on earth where justice, peace, and prosperity reign. Pope Francis said, “Joseph, then, teaches us that faith in God includes believing that he can work even through our fears, our frailties, and our weaknesses.” Thus, even sometimes people think that they are “insignificant,” the truth is that God asks people to participate in the promotion of the good news of salvation – a life of kaginhawaan.
Like Saint Joseph, amidst the many uncertainties in the life, he was steadily silent to listen to God’s will and humbly obeyed and trusted Him. Pope Francis exhorts that “the lives of the saints too are examples to be imitated. Saint Paul explicitly says this: ‘Be imitators of me!’ (1 Cor. 4:16) By his eloquent silence, Saint Joseph says the same.” Today, in the face of the various challenges brought about by political, socio-economic upheavals, may Saint Joseph be an inspiration and model to be silent and to listen God’s will for the common good for all!
ROMANO MACARAEG BULATAO completed his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (AB Philo.) in 1990 at the Claret Formation Center (now, Saint Anthony Mary Claret College or SAMCC), Quezon City. He finished his Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MA Rel. Stds.) in 2003, and his Master of Arts in Philosophy (MA Philo., cum laude) in 2014, both at the Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. Dr. Bulatao obtained his degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the SAMCC, Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA), Quezon City, in 2021. From June 2006 to May 2009, he served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU, and a Professor in the same Department from AY 1996 – 2023. At present, Dr. Bulatao serves as the Assistant Director, at the Office of Student Affairs and Services. He is the Author of the books entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z, and Touching Thoughts on Creation A-Z, published in 2009 and printed in 2013 respectively, by the Claretian Publications. His latest published book is entitled Walking Together in the Care of Our Common Home, by the Claretian Publications in 2023. Dr. Bulatao is also the Translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020.
