A Thought for St. Joseph's Day

Blessed Solemnity of St. Joseph! May the Foster-Father of Jesus, Chaste Spouse of Mary, and Guardian of our Monastery obtain for each and every one of you special graces of joy, peace, and closeness to Jesus and Mary on this special feast.

As our “feast day gift” to you, enjoy a small reflection written by one of our Sisters!

Saint Joseph: Tabor for Mary’s Monstrance

Images of St. Joseph holding the Christchild in his arms abound in our churches and on holy cards. So do depictions of St. Joseph sleeping, or St. Joseph on his deathbed. No Christmas creche is complete without St. Joseph kneeling in wonder at the mangerside. But every time we come before Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, we encounter another image of St. Joseph which speaks powerfully to many of his virtues which we have been reflecting upon during this novena. It is the “tabor,” the pedestal which supports the monstrance which holds our Eucharistic Lord.

Image source: St. John’s Seminary, Boston

The monstrance itself is, of course, an eloquent symbol of our Blessed Mother, the woman of the Magnificat, whose whole being magnifies the Lord and shows Him forth to the world. But who supported and enabled her to do so, if not St. Joseph, with his humble service, his faithful love, his strong arms? St. Joseph bowed before the mystery of God’s Mother and her holy Son, and thus lifted them onto the pedestal of safety which was his own “yes,” his willingness to guard, protect, and nurture them.

The tabor on the altar is unassuming; its job is to make the monstrance (and therefore Our Eucharistic Lord) more visible, and itself to be unnoticed. The tabor must be sturdy and strong, lending stability and security to the delicate and ornate vessel which cradles and magnifies the Host. Does this not describe St. Joseph perfectly? Ben Sira writes, “If you do good, know for whom you are doing it, and your kindness will have its effect.” St. Joseph knew well the two he loved and served, and he thus lifted them high. He was truly that “faithful friend” who is a “sturdy shelter,” a “treasure” to the one he loves. (cf. Sirach 6:14, 12:1)

May St. Joseph, humble tabor for Mary’s monstrance, be a model for our love and service to each other, as we cradle and magnify Christ who dwells in each of our hearts.