Book Review: Joseph the Silent by Michel Gasnier

Joseph the Silent by Michel Gasnier, O.P.

Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus, is only seen in the first few chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Even in those small sections, he has no words attributed to him. He does many things and has an active role in Jesus's childhood. The early Church probably downplayed the role of Joseph since he was overshadowed (quite rightly) by the true Father of Jesus. A tradition of devotion to Joseph eventually grew up. This book is a more recent contribution (first published in French in 1960).

The book is divided into thirty chapters that are typically five pages long. The format makes it an ideal monthly devotional. The reflections start with the prefigurements of Joseph in the Old Testament and work their way through the life of Joseph. Gasnier does a bit of extra-biblical research to expand on what it was like to be a carpenter and what the marriage traditions were like back then. He paints a convincing and detailed portrait of Joseph's life and his virtues--humility, obedience, and courage. Joseph was the fittest spouse for Mary since he shared her trust in God's will. Even with their hardships, they must have had an idyllic life. Living with grace-filled companions encourages and strengthens a virtuous character. In every way, Joseph is a fine role-model for us as we strive to live our lives with Christ.

I found this book a very valuable way to get to know Joseph better and to imitate his trust in God's will.

Highly recommended.

Quote on how the mix-up happened when Jesus got left behind in Jerusalem as a child:

Perhaps Jesus told his mother before the caravan started that he would stay with his "Father," and Mary had not realized which 'father' he was speaking of. [p. 100]