3 St. Josephs

 

St. Joseph of Arimathea's feast day's today. I know it's also St. Patrick's Day but finding out my patron saint of the year shared a feast day with St Patrick was cool, and an easy way to remember. I love this photo. It depicts Good Friday and after Jesus died and taking him down from the cross. It also shows other people there, and one of them is St. Joseph of Arimathea I believe in the gold robe, near Jesus' feet. All we really know about him is that he was a private follower of Jesus, and he led for Jesus to be taken down from the cross and buried in an unknown, empty tomb. I love this image so much; I have made it as my computer's screen saver. 

I have often thought of St. Joseph being close by Jesus' side after the crucifixion. Although he wasn't present until later, he still showed his loyalty, service, devotedness, and sacredness to our Lord on that Good Friday. When I look at a crucifix, and see Jesus' feet nailed, I think of this St. Joseph who took him down from the cross. I think of the beautiful imagery of putting everything at the foot of the cross. 

St. Joseph of Arimathea gives me an example to live by, by staying close to Jesus even in the dark, challenging and unknown times. To specifically honor and love the cross, because that is where Jesus is closest. He has also shown me to love and honor and respect Jesus more by carefully taking him down from the cross, handing him to Our Lady to hold after his heart wrenching death, and then to place him neatly, delicately, lovingly in a tomb. 

St. Joseph of Arimathea isn't the only Joseph that I have a love and devotion for. St. Joseph, the father of Jesus is of course a high favorite. And whose feast day is just days after. I also really love the witness of Fr. Joseph who was an Opus Dei priest to first spread the work and its mission sent by the founder, St. Josemaria. I really was compelled by his story, and most especially his faith, trust and obedience. Great holy men and examples, 3 St. Josephs!