St. Joseph: Model of Interior Recollection…what do we mean and how can we follow in this blessing of prayer and knowing God. In Thomas à Kempis’ spiritual classic “The Imitation of Christ” he begins his reflections with these words,“Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men.” (#2)

We are all searching for something greater and this can lead us in two directions: the search for the material and finite or the search of the eternal. There are goods in both of these searches but only one will fill and satisfy the longing of our souls. This search is not about letting go of the complexity of life but in the embracing of life and knowing God will be discovered in all things.
When I think about and pray with St. Joseph, I imagine the quiet person who opens his heart continually to seeking the greater of unity. We often hear how St. Joseph was a talented and magnificent carpenter and yet rather than seeking the glory of putting himself forward, where we could see arrogance or boastfulness we see rather the humbleness and gentleness in looking towards his home where our Blessed Mother and the Divine Son could be found. Where true happiness and joy could be found.
We see this in the miracle of the mysterious carpenter who built the impossible staircase in the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe New Mexico. Once more, if you have faith in the story (link below), this anonymous carpenter built something to give glory to God first and foremost then slipping away without taking any adulation or praise for himself. It is knowing the heart of the beloved and serving him through his beloved wife Mary that is St. Joseph’s interior gift of love.
Moving back to “The Month of St. Joseph” by Archbishop M. de Langalerie his reflection reminds us, “The habit of prayer produces in the soul an interior recollection, which keeps the mind fixed on God, and prevents our begin to absorbed in exterior occupations…Let us consider how profound and tranquil must have been the life of St. Joseph, who, whether at work, alone or with companions, had his heart and mind centered on God. “ (p 19)
Can we imagine what it must have been like to work with St. Joseph, to play with him, to have a beer with him, to simply talk and share life stories with the foster-father of Jesus? The gratitude and generosity of life and love flowing from the man with whom the author of life and the very heart of love resided within his home but also, and most importantly, resided within in the home of his soul.

The interior recollection is seeking to be present to God in each moment. This isn’t impossible, but it takes practice and a heart open to sacrificial love. And the interior prayer and recollection is vital to grow in being present to God and seeking the presence of God daily and in each moment.
From “The Imitation of Christ” once more, “If you wish to learn to appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing.” (#2) Like St. Joseph we are called to be unknown as we allow others to see in our lives the presence of God. We are remembered because others know God through or lives, through the gift of love. Let us, with our Mother Mary and her holy spouse Joseph truly learn the worthwhile gift of knowing the one true God.

God Bless
Fr. Mark

https://aleteia.org/2016/07/06/the-staircase-st-joseph-built-in-new-mexico/