The Feast Day of St. Joseph and other random Amy thoughts...

Today is March 19th, the day the Church celebrates Jesus' foster father and husband of our blessed Mother Mary.  St. Joseph is such a beautiful example of a husband, father, and faith filled servant.  I mean, how many people do you know who have dreams like he did?  And follow through after the dreams?  He trusted in the Lord and took care of his family.  He is a great role model and exemplary saint to turn to in these turbulent times we live in.   I started the 9 day novena to him today.  I was probably supposed to start 9 days ago, but since I have pretty much messed up most everything I'm "supposed" to do, I'm hoping he lets this little mishap slide... 

Which brings me to the next topic of discussion of worshiping saints.  So many people, even Catholics, believe we worship saints.  I remember when I was younger (you know, like 12, since I'm only 22 now) having a conversation with a friend who asked me point blank, "you all worship saints, right?"  And in all my whit and wisdom-I had no answer for her.  I felt very silly not knowing, and basically said the obvious- well, I don't think it's worship (duh) but more like we hold them in high esteem??? (oh gravy...)

I felt like an idiot-but instead of trying to "make up" an answer, I should have been very honest with her and myself.  "I am not sure, so and so.  Let me find out for you and get back to you about this.  I'm kind of curious myself."

But, instead, I did what so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ do when explaining Catholicism.  I acted like an expert when I had no clue as to what I was saying. 

We only worship God. The God of the Universe, as Fr. Larry Richards says. God in three persons of course, God the father, God the son, and God the holy spirit, but God just the same.  We honor the saints in Heaven, which include our Blessed Mother (which if God is God the son, that would make, the son's mother, Mary, God's mother.  Sorry for all the commas, grammar was never my strong suit). 

We have proof in scripture-here are just a few places to check out:


Rom 15:30
Col 4:3
1 Thess 5:25
Rom 8:35-39
Rev 5:8
Mk 9:4 (Jesus is seen conversing with Elijah & Moses)
Lk 23:43
Rev 6:9-11(martyrs under the altar want earthly vindication)
Tob 12:12

I have about 10 more I could give to you, but you get the basics of what I'm trying to prove.

So there you have it.  As Fr. Larry said on one of his talks, we can still have a relationship with and even become closer to those who have gone before us.  He says he has a better relationship with his dad now that his dad is in Heaven.  I love it.  I talk to my grandma a lot.  I get great comfort knowing she can talk to Jesus about me.
 

God bless you today on the feast day of St. Joseph.  Here below is the link to his Novena if you're interested. 

http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/joseph.htm

St. Joseph with young Jesus.