As far back as human history can possibly take us; the world has had complex relationships with their fathers. It is seen in advertisements; portrayed in books and forced in our heads. There is even a scene in the 2006 hit movie High School Musical where the star of the film, Troy Bolton, is in a huge disagreement with his dad. Troy’s dad is upset that Troy is pursuing musical theatre instead of being the star basketball player. What he doesn’t know however, is that Troy’s heart is more into theatre than what his dad had thought he wanted for life: basketball.

Society shows us that we are supposed to have a WONDERFUL relationship with our earthly fathers. This relationship includes but is not limited to: teaching us how to drive, throwing the football with us, taking us to sporting events, and laughing about dating.

But what if that relationship is not possible? What if instead, the two parties involved have experienced lots of hurt and disconnect? Sometimes, this can cause us to be sorrowful, to run away from any sort of father figure, and to lose trust in men. However, this alone should give us more hope to trust in the Holy Family. Once again, and without delay, we are called to take every single piece of our broken heart and place it at the feet of Jesus.

Jesus also wants you to take all of the confusion you may experience and bring it to St. Joseph. Why, you may ask?

He is the patron saint of workers, which I think as a father is so fitting. Most dads are the breadwinners of the family. They work long hours to support their calling and supporting their family. Being a workaholic can be the norm in today’s day and age, but I like to think about Joseph rising above that. Yes, he may have worked long hours, but I am without a doubt certain that he also created time for his wife and for his son while at the same time taking the time to enjoy the fruits of his labor. I’ve known and dated a few workaholics, and I am bringing them to prayer. They struggle with balance, and I hope that they can turn to St. Joseph to help them find peace. Our lives are not meant to be centered on one thing and we’re meant to enjoy several different things in moderation.

Joseph was a man of few words – he doesn’t even have a recorded word in any of the chapters of the bible! We might think of this as being a pushover, but Christ wants to show us that we still can be solid Christians without having to talk people to death. Listening is such a huge component of healthy relationships, and I know St. Joseph always listens to us and helps our pleas.

I feel confident that Joseph always lent an ear to those in trouble – but more importantly – had an open heart.

As I navigate my own personal struggles in 2021, I am praying and asking Joseph to help me along with understanding. I may not know why certain people have caused my hurt, but I do know that Joseph, Jesus, and the Holy spirit can alleviate the hurt and pain if we ask.

 Intercessory Prayer

St. Joseph, patron of fathers and workers, pray for us, for the vocation of marriage and for fatherhood.

About the Author

Hope calls sunny and warm Atlanta her home. Her parents experienced hardship later in life after 35 years of marriage, and are currently separated and in the beginning process of divorce. In her spare time, she loves sewing, journaling, singing, attending Jonas Brothers concerts, and riding the peloton. On Friday nights you can often find her at a Braves game cheering on her hometown team. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University where she majored in International Business. Her brother is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and she has loved watching her family become closer to the Church and Her sacraments as a result of him following his call to the priesthood. She attended the Life Giving Wounds retreat in Atlanta during the spring of 2022. Hope is so thankful everyday to have stumbled upon this ministry and has experienced such graces and healing as a result of being courageous and taking the leap to attend the retreat.

Read from more Hope at her blog: https://reflectherheart.org/

Reflection Questions for Small Groups or Individuals

1. How is/was your relationship with your earthly father? What was he like when you were growing up? How has he changed over the course of your life?

2. How is your relationship with St. Joseph? What lessons is he teaching you, or has he taught you?