Saint Joseph, Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father, is one of the most enigmatic and, at the same time, most inspiring figures in the Gospel. Unlike other biblical figures, not a single word of his is recorded in Scripture. His silence, however, is not absence or passivity, but a response of faith and love to the mission God entrusted to him.

The Eloquence of Silence

The Gospels present us with a Joseph who acts in discretion. Without making speeches or performing spectacular deeds, his entire life is a silent surrender to divine will. As head of the Holy Family, he protects, cares for, and works tirelessly to support Mary and Jesus. His silence is not empty, but a space where obedience and trust in God resonate.

Silence and Action

The Gospel of Matthew shows us how Joseph receives God’s revelation in a dream and, without hesitation, takes Mary as his wife, flees to Egypt to save the Child, and, years later, returns to Nazareth. There are no questions or hesitations, only a faith that translates into concrete action.

In a noisy society, where it seems that only those who raise their voice are heard, the figure of Saint Joseph reminds us of the importance of inner silence, attentive listening, and humble action.

Silent Works That Sanctifies

Saint Joseph is the model of the worker who does not seek recognition, but finds in his labor a means to serve God and others. As a carpenter, he dedicated his life to a simple but dignified trade. In his workshop in Nazareth, Jesus learned not only a trade, but also the virtue of effort and humility.

Patron of the Church and the Family

For his fidelity and dedication, Saint Joseph has been recognized as the patron of the universal Church and protector of families. His intercession remains a refuge for those seeking guidance in everyday life, especially for parents and workers.

Learning from His Silence

On his feast day, Saint Joseph invites us to rediscover the value of silence. In it, we find the opportunity to listen better to God, to discover His will, and to act with love. In a world where noise deafens and haste dominates, the figure of Saint Joseph encourages us to pause, trust, and allow ourselves to be guided by God with the certainty that His plan is always perfect.

Source: Book: The Silences of Saint Joseph by Michel Gasnier