The fourth new title given to Joseph in his litany is Support in Difficulty. Unlike some of his titles, this one isn’t immediately obvious. Of course, Joseph could be a support in any difficulty, but why would that be a special attribute that needs a specific title? We need to look at the few things we actually know about his life to determine why this was deemed important enough to be a new title.
Learning that your fiancée is pregnant while also knowing you aren’t the father would certainly be a difficult situation. So would losing track of your son when you make a big trip to Jerusalem for the festival time. Maybe Joseph isn’t the patron of smallish difficulties like car troubles or even medium-to-big difficulties like finding a job. Perhaps he is the patron of those huge, heart-stopping difficulties that leave us wondering what on earth we are going to do. He uniquely relates to those difficulties that have no ready, logical steps toward solution and that leave us on the verge of panic (or maybe over the edge!).
When we think of Joseph as someone who can relate to these once- or twice-in-a-lifetime problems with a particular understanding, then his new title makes a great deal of sense. Of course, Joseph can and will assist us in all our needs, but it’s comforting to realize that he is also there for us in the worst of times. And while we all hope and pray that we never experience difficulties that stop us in our tracks, most of us will experience such seemingly overwhelming obstacles at least once. With Joseph interceding for us, they need not be quite so overwhelming as they first seem.
Quotation
“There are many saints to whom God has given the power to assist us in the necessities of life, but the power given to St. Joseph is unlimited: It extends to all our needs, and all those who invoke him with confidence are sure to be heard.” –Blessed Joseph Chaminade
Prayer
Saint Joseph, when I face difficulties that seem insurmountable, may I always remember to consult you. Amen.