Loving your own children comes easy. Loving step-children (and grandchildren) requires a special kind of man. One who understands we are all children of God worth loving. For the last 7 years, I have witnessed this special kind of man . . . my husband Jay. When meeting people for the first time and asked about children, he immediately says we have four daughters. He loves my three girls as every father/step-father should. What is even more stunning is his love for our four grandbabies. He is "Papa" to them and the love they feel is evident as they watch Wicked Tuna (our grandson LOVES fishing shows!) or their delight as Papa shows them our Christmas displays erected just for them. Jay is the perfect example of emulating the most important father who ever lived . . . St. Joseph. Want to be that kind of father/step-father? Read Volume Six. And take the words of St. Joseph to heart.
Today's Gospel (Matthew 1:18-25) shows the integrity of St. Joseph and the love he had for Mary:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
In Volume Six, St. Joseph spells out how important a father's role is:
"Dear fathers of the world, you must heed my voice. I am speaking to you from kindness and concern. We in heaven watch the events in the world because we are eager to assist you. We hear your prayers and immediately begin interceding for you so that any graces available will be utilized. Allow us to help you to examine your role as father so you can be certain you are fulfilling this role as God has willed. You must examine your role in comparison to me, Joseph, the head of the Holy Family. Do not examine your role in comparison to a soul who is not following God. You must take this opportunity to also look at your companions. Are they true followers? Do they encourage you to be a good father and husband? Are they themselves good fathers and husbands? Dear man, if they are not fulfilling their role as father and husband, it will be difficult for you to resist their influence. Many in this time will encourage you to put yourself first, but I tell you in all seriousness that you should not do this. Your wife and children must come first. You are to lead your family to heaven. In heaven, the first will be last. Consider yourself a servant to your family. In this way you will not spend too much time meditating on how you would like to follow the world. You live in a world of great darkness. I must speak the truth so that you know that it is critical that your family be steered safely through these times. With the help of heaven, you will do this successfully. But in order to obtain this help, you must ask for it. In order to ask for it, you must be prayerful. If you are not prayerful, you will not see the need to pray because you will be too busy scurrying from one day to the next and telling yourself that all is well because this is what everyone else is doing."
Lay apostles, especially fathers, are you surrounding yourselves with people living a good Christian life? Are they devoted mothers and fathers or are they more interested in hitting the bar after a long day with friends or coworkers while their family waits at home? As harsh as this may sound, eliminate toxic people from your life. I know it's a difficult task, I've had to do it. But ultimately, it was good for my soul and good for my children. Take a look at who you spend time with. If it isn't building the Kingdom, pray about it. Remember, after God, your family always comes first.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me the kind of man Jay is not only as a partner but as a father/grandfather. Thank you, St. Joseph for your integrity, strength, and love of Our Savior!
God bless,
Bonnie
Today's Gospel (Matthew 1:18-25) shows the integrity of St. Joseph and the love he had for Mary:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
In Volume Six, St. Joseph spells out how important a father's role is:
"Dear fathers of the world, you must heed my voice. I am speaking to you from kindness and concern. We in heaven watch the events in the world because we are eager to assist you. We hear your prayers and immediately begin interceding for you so that any graces available will be utilized. Allow us to help you to examine your role as father so you can be certain you are fulfilling this role as God has willed. You must examine your role in comparison to me, Joseph, the head of the Holy Family. Do not examine your role in comparison to a soul who is not following God. You must take this opportunity to also look at your companions. Are they true followers? Do they encourage you to be a good father and husband? Are they themselves good fathers and husbands? Dear man, if they are not fulfilling their role as father and husband, it will be difficult for you to resist their influence. Many in this time will encourage you to put yourself first, but I tell you in all seriousness that you should not do this. Your wife and children must come first. You are to lead your family to heaven. In heaven, the first will be last. Consider yourself a servant to your family. In this way you will not spend too much time meditating on how you would like to follow the world. You live in a world of great darkness. I must speak the truth so that you know that it is critical that your family be steered safely through these times. With the help of heaven, you will do this successfully. But in order to obtain this help, you must ask for it. In order to ask for it, you must be prayerful. If you are not prayerful, you will not see the need to pray because you will be too busy scurrying from one day to the next and telling yourself that all is well because this is what everyone else is doing."
Lay apostles, especially fathers, are you surrounding yourselves with people living a good Christian life? Are they devoted mothers and fathers or are they more interested in hitting the bar after a long day with friends or coworkers while their family waits at home? As harsh as this may sound, eliminate toxic people from your life. I know it's a difficult task, I've had to do it. But ultimately, it was good for my soul and good for my children. Take a look at who you spend time with. If it isn't building the Kingdom, pray about it. Remember, after God, your family always comes first.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me the kind of man Jay is not only as a partner but as a father/grandfather. Thank you, St. Joseph for your integrity, strength, and love of Our Savior!
God bless,
Bonnie
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