Episode 2709: Forgiveness, Trust, and the Guidance of St. Joseph - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on the profound themes of love, forgiveness, and the unique spiritual guidance offered through St. Joseph. In our journey toward holiness, these virtues and relationships shape our path to God. As we’ll explore, forgiveness is not just a necessary act of love but a reflection of God’s mercy. Meanwhile, entrusting ourselves to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, can bring profound spiritual growth. Let’s dive into this rich tapestry of faith.
1. The Power of Forgiveness in Love
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.” Love, at its core, is sacrificial and unselfish, and forgiveness is its highest form. In forgiving others, we imitate Christ, who forgave even from the cross. Forgiveness purifies the heart, making it capable of true love, free from resentment and bitterness. It allows us to participate in the divine life of God, who is Love itself.
Reflecting on the Gospels, we recall Peter’s question to Jesus: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus responds, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22). Here, our Lord emphasizes that forgiveness should be limitless, just as His mercy is.
2. The Spiritual Fatherhood of St. Joseph
Fr. Donald Calloway writes: "Consecration to St. Joseph will help you become "another Joseph" for Jesus and Mary. That is, entrusting yourself entirely to St. Joseph helps you become a faithful, loving, and trusting companion of Jesus and Mary! In the New Testament, we read that Jesus "increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man" (Lk 2:52) under the watchful care of his parents. Such an "increase" can happen to you, too, if you entrust yourself to the paternal care of St. Joseph...Saint Joseph is "The Increaser." He has paternal love for you and the power to increase the presence of God in your life and take you to greater heights in the spiritual life. –Fr. Donald Calloway
St. Joseph is known as “The Increaser,” one who can increase God’s presence in our lives and help us grow in virtue.
Luke 2:52 tells us, “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” under the care of St. Joseph. This verse reminds us that even Christ, in His human nature, grew under the guidance of His earthly parents. St. Joseph's silent, steadfast example invites us to deeper trust in God’s plan and to foster a spirit of humility and diligence in our spiritual lives.
3. Trusting in God’s Goodness
The Psalmist proclaims: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13-14). These verses remind us to hope in God’s providence. In times of trial and uncertainty, we are called to trust, knowing that God’s goodness is ever-present and His plans are perfect.
Waiting on the Lord requires patience and courage. It means surrendering our timelines and desires to His divine will, much like St. Joseph, who obeyed God’s commands without hesitation, trusting in His plan for the Holy Family.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on today’s themes, we are reminded that forgiveness unlocks love, trust in St. Joseph leads us closer to Jesus and Mary, and hope in God’s goodness strengthens us in our journey. By embracing these virtues, we align ourselves more fully with God’s will and grow in holiness.
Ending Prayer:
Let us conclude with a prayer:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
fountain of eternal life,
we place our trust in You.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph,
may we grow in wisdom and grace,
learning to love and forgive as You do.
Strengthen our hearts with courage and fill us with hope,
that we may always see Your goodness in the land of the living. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Family, pray for us.