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Saint Joseph: The Man Closest to Christ
What is the greatest title of Saint Joseph?
While the Litany of Saint Joseph is filled with many rich titles describing Joseph’s virtues and duties—such as most just, most chaste, patron of the dying, terror of demons, and protector of the Holy Church—there is one title that stands out which is quietly absent from his the man closest to Christ.
Of all the men God has created, no one has been as close to Christ as Saint Joseph. He was the first man to hold God in his arms. He was the only man recorded to save Christ’s life. He was, ultimately, the man chosen from all time to be God’s earthly father.
Just as his Son was prefigured in the Scriptures, Saint Joseph was also long foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Looking at these biblical types opens our eyes to the reality that Saint Joseph has many other titles, such as the provider of the Eucharist and the souls in purgatory.
Even though the year of Saint Joseph has passed, the insights concerning our spiritual father continue to unfold. As the greatest of all the saints after Our Lady, Saint Joseph holds the key to opening the treasuries of Our Lord’s Sacred and Eucharistic Heart. To imitate Christ is the goal of our spiritual lives. And what better way to imitate Christ than to learn from Saint Joseph, the man who spent the most time with Him, the man closest to Christ!
While the Litany of Saint Joseph is filled with many rich titles describing Joseph’s virtues and duties—such as most just, most chaste, patron of the dying, terror of demons, and protector of the Holy Church—there is one title that stands out which is quietly absent from his the man closest to Christ.
Of all the men God has created, no one has been as close to Christ as Saint Joseph. He was the first man to hold God in his arms. He was the only man recorded to save Christ’s life. He was, ultimately, the man chosen from all time to be God’s earthly father.
Just as his Son was prefigured in the Scriptures, Saint Joseph was also long foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Looking at these biblical types opens our eyes to the reality that Saint Joseph has many other titles, such as the provider of the Eucharist and the souls in purgatory.
Even though the year of Saint Joseph has passed, the insights concerning our spiritual father continue to unfold. As the greatest of all the saints after Our Lady, Saint Joseph holds the key to opening the treasuries of Our Lord’s Sacred and Eucharistic Heart. To imitate Christ is the goal of our spiritual lives. And what better way to imitate Christ than to learn from Saint Joseph, the man who spent the most time with Him, the man closest to Christ!
176 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
11 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 22, 2024
This book has so many things to think about- despite not having any written speech by St. Joseph there are many typological examples of him in the OT, especially regarding Joseph. Some examples made so much sense to me, some seemed at first glance to be a stretch to me but than others not at all and things I had never thought about. After completing this book I want to read more about what the church fathers have said about the role and responsibilities of St. Joseph. And, honestly, I want to read this book again because it is rich in things to ponder!
November 12, 2025
the man worthy of our hearts
Absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this insight into St Joseph. You cannot help but fall deeply in love with him, along with his beloved Mary!
Absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this insight into St Joseph. You cannot help but fall deeply in love with him, along with his beloved Mary!
August 1, 2023
St Joseph is indeed one of the greatest men to have ever lived, and we know very little about him. The author does a great job reflecting on, and venerating the virtues of St Joseph and his role in our spiritual life and our salvation.
However, at times the author drifts from spiritual reflection to logic and the logic does not hold up. In spite of this, I enjoyed the book. Having read it, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of St Joseph as well as his character types from the old testament.
However, at times the author drifts from spiritual reflection to logic and the logic does not hold up. In spite of this, I enjoyed the book. Having read it, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of St Joseph as well as his character types from the old testament.
August 18, 2023
Incredibly well-structured typological and theological account of the graces bestowed upon St. Joseph and their relation to us. Fr. Sebastian draws upon the Saints and doctors of the Church to convey the hidden beauty in the vibrant role of St. Joseph in the life of the Church. Very solid read
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews