Faith and obedience are virtues that shine brightly in St. Joseph's soul, as well as in Mary's.  Joseph, a man with divine purpose, manifested his great obedience three times: first, when the angel told him not to fear, and to take Mary, his wife, into his house (cf. Mt.1:20-24). Then, when the angel woke him up in the middle of the night, commanding him to flee without delay into Egypt (cf. Mt. 2: 13-15), and finally, when the angel ordered him to come back to the land of Israel (Mt. 2: 19-21). St. Joseph allows God to lead him like a child, without even whispering a word of protest. Joseph was a just and generous man, ready for every sacrifice, and prepared to leave all human reasoning to obey God's orders instead. For Joseph, serving God was the dominant objective. Showing obedience means to offer our lives to God's good will.

(source: http://site-catholique.fr/index.php?post/Saint-Joseph-selon-Abbe-Paul)

Today, let us ask the Lord that fathers may be strong enough to place every action and every word in their home under the eyes of God. In a world where we think we're in control, where our knowledge seems without limits, may they not rebel in face of the injustice of unemployment, suffering, or loss of a child. May they know that their place is in God's hand, may they keep the soul of a child, a child who dares to ask everything of God their prayers to the Heavenly Father, for nothing is impossible to Him. May they have the understanding and the wisdom to discern the gift of God among the trials of family life, and may they remember to show gratitude in better days.

Lectio divina: Mt. 5: 3-12 (NABRE)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Prayer:

Here's a wonderful prayer, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. I pray it every morning, and I strongly recommend every dad do the same!

Lord,

In the silence of this new day, I come to ask for peace, wisdom, and strength.

Today, I wish to look at the world with eyes beaming with love.

To be understanding, meek, and wise.

To see your children beyond appearances as You see them yourself.

Close my ears to all calumny. Guard my tongue from all malice.

May only thoughts that bless dwell in my spirit.

May I be so kind and so full of joy, that all who come near me may feel your presence.

Clothe me with your beauty, Lord that throughout this day I may reveal You.

Amen.

Practical action:

If I know an unemployed dad, or a dad whose child is sick, a dad who needs to make a choice for his family, a dad who is prey to doubt and discouragement, I pray that this dad decides to place himself under the eyes of God: may the Holy Spirit enlighten his decisions. I praise the Lord if this dad can discern the gift of God among life's trials.