Pope Francis quoted the Polish writer, Jan Dobraczyński, and mentioned the title of his book, The Shadow of the Fathe, as one of the characteristics of St. Joseph in his apostolic letter, Patris Corde.
Dobraczyński narrated the story of St. Joseph in the form of a novel, where the Father of Jesus was presented in the image of a shadow. He develops the beautiful image of the “earthly shadow of the heavenly Father—as he watched over the boy Jesus and his mother and protected them, never leaving them.”
While giving insights on how to be a good dad to their children, the pope reflects on the detached affection of St. Joseph for his son. While giving his whole life caring for his family, he assured his wife and child freedom and space as individuals. The pope goes on to explain the meaning of the traditional title “most chaste” father attributed to St. Joseph: “Chastity is freedom from possessiveness in every sphere of one’s life. Only when love is chaste, it is true love.”
The pope said, “Joseph knew how to love with extraordinary freedom. He never made himself the centre of things. He did not think of himself, but focused instead on the lives of Mary and Jesus.” Patris Corde makes a universal invitation to fathers to model themselves after St. Joseph, loving their children without being possessive, caring for their families without imposing themselves on them.
Selflessly giving of himself day after day in the hidden shadows of his carpenter’s shop, St. Joseph did not seek recognition or recompense. His hidden sacrifices did not lead him to bitterness but blossomed into fruits of love, peace, and joy in that little household in Nazareth.
St. Joseph teaches us to learn from him to never look for rewards and recognition for the sacrifices we make for the people under our care. On the other hand, our loved ones are empowered by newfound freedom to love. Let us ask God to release us from the chains that bind us to subtle forms of self-serving love, that we might fly in the shadow of his wings, fully free to love.
“Chastity is freedom from possessiveness in every sphere of one’s life.” How chaste is my love? Are there any subtle forms of possessiveness in my relationships with others? In what areas of my life might God be showing me an opportunity to grow in greater freedom to love?
“Every true vocation is born of the gift of oneself, which is the fruit of mature sacrifice.” Is my heart more focused on sacrifice or on the gift? Could I sometimes be at risk of becoming too focused on the sacrifices required by my vocation and falling into the trap of “unhappiness, sadness, and frustration?” How might I renew the “beauty and joy of love” in the living out of my vocation, discovering the fruitfulness of love lived in true gift of self?
