Encountering the Heart of St. Joseph: A Creatively, Courageous Father

It’s easy to be discouraged when a challenge we face seems to have no clear solution. In some cases, we may even feel abandoned by God, left to fend for ourselves with no guidance or inspiration. Yet, the example St. Joseph shows us by his own life is clear proof that God can and does act through us at times. St. Joseph was the means by which God protected and saved Mary and Jesus before, during and after the Nativity. He was the guardian who became the very solution which seemed non-existent and hopeless. This is the virtue St. John Paul II calls creative courage.  

The virtue of fortitude often shows itself in courage. St. Joseph was no stranger to these virtues, realizing that he was not left abandoned by God but was being trusted to find creative ways to plan and live God’s will. Creative courage allows us to see not a problem but a possibility. Being bold enough to find a way to actively pursue God’s answer rather than passively wait for it is not always “playing God” but may in fact be what we are called to do in the moment. The life of St. Joseph displays that reality, courage and fidelity is rewarded with grace and favor. Through St. Joseph’s intercession and example, may we too have the grace to look into our own lives and see where God calls us to cultivate this virtue of creative courage to understand his will, to carry out his plan, and to be faithful to his call.  

Father Mathew Dunn 
Parochial vicar, St. John the Evangelist Church, Prairieville