Like the previous two new invocations, Minister of Salvation is not exactly obvious when applied to Joseph. The word minister generally means a member of the clergy or the head of a government department, neither of which fits Saint Joseph.
To unpack this innovation, we need to examine the root word, the verb to minister. The verb comes from the Latin ministrāre, which means “to act as a servant, to serve, to supply.” When we look at it this way, Minister of Salvation ties back to last week’s Servant of Christ. Joseph is, in essence, a servant, not only of Jesus, but also of the entire cause of salvation. Through his care of Jesus, he ministers to, provides for, and enables all of salvation history to unfold in the person of Jesus.
Granted, this is a rather complicated theological construct. It’s a lot easier to understand Joseph as an example to parents or husband to Mary as he is referred to in the traditional liturgy than as Minister to Salvation.
So, let’s look at it this way. For us to be saved, Jesus had to grow up and assume his destiny as the Christ. Because the world he was born into was fraught with dangers, he needed a protector, someone who could make sure that he did grow into adulthood. Joseph was that protector. In fulfilling that role, Joseph also served the greater cause of salvation. Thus, he became a minister to salvation itself.
Quotation
“Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus.” –Pope Francis
Prayer
Saint Joseph, may I always appreciate the essential role you played in the history of salvation. Amen.
Image credit: Patrice THEBAULT/CIRIC
