Encountering the Heart of St. Joseph: 

An Accepting Father

Using the image of “heart of a father” or “patris corde,” Pope Francis describes St. Joseph as “an accepting father.”  

It is a quality that points to St. Joseph’s nobility, his respect and sensitivity in protecting Mary’s good name even though he did not understand the bigger picture that the angel’s words encompassed. As is so often the case in our own lives when our plans don’t work out and we are caught in anger and disappointment, the path ahead was not clear for St. Joseph. 

Nevertheless, he accepted God’s words, not in passive resignation but firmly with faith, hope and courage.  

Pope Francis reminds us that in faith we are challenged to believe that “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (1 Jn 3:20).

St. Joseph, with his daily example as an accepting father, modeled for Jesus, Mary and all of his neighbors that quality of acceptance and welcome accorded to everyone, especially those considered weak in this world’s eyes.  Our Holy Father shares a remarkable thought: “It was from St. Joseph that Jesus drew inspiration for the parable of the prodigal son and the merciful father.”  

How valuable for us to meditate, as we reflect on the stories of Jesus in the Gospels, on the attitudes Jesus learned growing up under St. Joseph’s quiet, powerful guidance.

Sr. Joan Laplace CSJ