Abstract

MANCUELLO-GONZALEZ, WILMA  and  MEDINA-CRISTALDO, CARLOS ALBERTO. Saint Joseph in Sacred Scripture and in Spirituality. Cuest. teol. [online]. 2020, vol.47, n.108, pp.19-39.  Epub Apr 08, 2021. ISSN 0120-131X.  https://doi.org/10.18566/cueteo.v47n108.a02.

The article addresses the figure of Saint Joseph from the point of view of biblical exegesis and Catholic spirituality. It aims at reinterpreting some features of his character and suggests some answers concerning how God interacted with him and his form of answering the divine call. Christian spirituality has always interpreted his silence as an expression of his profound obedience and has granted him with several epithets: Putative or Nominal Father of Jesus, Guardian of the Redeemer, Husband of Mary, Patron Saint of Carpenters, among others. The research is based on texts of both the Old and New Testaments, which are studied according to their own nature and using analytic tools of the synchronic approach. Its purpose is to understand how God handled Joseph and the way in which he answered his call, which was based on a profound friendship with God Himself, just like Abraham and some biblical prophets. He is also represented, as a form of re-reading, as a contemplative man of the mysteries of the Kingdom, as the master of Jesus, and diligent protector of those in need throughout history. In this line of argument, the research finds a distant spiritual link, though bearing upgrading force, in the friendship Saint Joseph had with Teresa of Jesus, first female Doctor of the Church and regarded as Doctor of Prayer. She invites Christians to choose Saint Joseph as Master of Prayer, following him to learn of friendly conversation with Him Who we know loves us.

Keywords : Gospels; Spirituality; Saint Joseph; Teresa of Jesus; Friendship; Prophets; Carpenter; Teacher; Father; Prayer; Holy Scripture.

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