Mathew 5:8
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Every single one of us longs for the father's gaze. We want to be seen and chosen by our dads. It is biological, psychological, and spiritual. . . Mom's gaze comes easier, we expect it, and it is our primary necessity to remain secure in our being as we are. Our father's gaze, however, draws us out of ourselves to become more.
. . . Fathers are called to be the link between heaven and earth. Fathers are an icon of God the Father to their children. . . Joseph showed Jesus "by a special gift from heaven, all the natural love, all the affectionate solicitude that a father's heart can know." (Redemptoris Custos, 8).
St. Joseph gazes upon each of us with this same paternal love. . . (He) can rightfully be called "father of all the faithful," reminding us of Abraham, the first father in faith. Joseph, in his knowledge of Scripture and its prophesies and the message of the angel, was (also) promised to be the father of many descendants in faith. From Simeon's prophesy and his early life-threatening trials, he knew this would not be easy. He accepted all this with deep trust when he said yes.
When Joseph looks at us with his perfect fatherly gaze, he says "I see you. You've got what it takes. You're created for greatness."
From Consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph:
An Integrated Look at the Holy Family
(pp. 84 - 85)
Bottaro and Settle
An affirming father's gaze would boost my confidence to reach out beyond myself and do great things. More than that, I could strive for greatness and holiness with a sense of peace and joy, secure in my father's affirmation.
Do you feel empowered by the one who has gone before you to follow the path and achieve greatness in your life?
Yes, Jesus has gone before me and conquered death and sin. Joseph sets a loving example and persevered through trials.
Do you feel secure in the embrace of being loved by a powerful and strong love?
Not yet, or not yet consistently. I want to be. I know that my insecurity comes when I don't feel this embrace.
How will developing a deeper relationship with Joseph as father help you to become a better version of yourself?
I may have many of the same ambitions and desires professionally and personally, but I'll have better motivations, ones that are less about projecting an image that makes up for not feeling seen and affirmed and more about using my talents in the way God intends for God's sake.
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