As we think of S. Joseph it is this co-operation which is the significant thing in his life.  As we study human life in the only way in which it is much worth while to study it, in the light of revelation, it becomes clear to us that there is purpose in all human life.  Often we observe a purpose that we are not able to grasp, but in the light of what we know from revelation we do not doubt of its presence.  Even lives that seem obscure and insignificant we feel sure must have a divine meaning; and the pathetic thing about most human life is that it never dreams of its own significance.  We are consumed with the notion that God’s instruments must be great, while it is on the face of revelation that they are commonly humble and of seeming insignificance.  It is the work that is important, and the instrument becomes important through its relation to the work.  We all at least have the common vocation of the Christian, and it would be difficult to exaggerate the spiritual significance of that.  S. Joseph seems to us at once set apart by his vocation to be the guardian of the divine Child, to protect and to nurture the years of His human immaturity.  This is no doubt a unique vocation, but is it quite so far separated from ordinary Christian experience as we assume?  You and I are also constituted guardians of the divine Presence.  This very morning, it may be, we have received within the Tabernacle of our breast the same Presence that S. Joseph guarded—­the Presence of Incarnate God.  In that Presence of His humanity our Lord abode with us but a few minutes and then the Presence withdrew:  but He left behind Him a real gift, the gift of an increase in sacramental grace.

Was that a light thing:  Was it indeed so much less than the vocation of S. Joseph?  And how have we guarded this Presence?  Those few moments after the reception of our Incarnate Lord at the altar—­how do we habitually spend them?  Do we spend them in guarding the Presence?  There is much to be learned about the meaning and the value of guarding the Eucharistic Gift.  Our thanksgiving after Communion is fully as important as our preparation for receiving it.  I am more and more inclined to think that much of the fruitlessness of communions which is so sad a side of the life of the Church is due to careless reception and inadequate thanksgiving.  It is the adoration of our Lord within the Tabernacle of our body and thanksgiving to Him for having come to us that is the appropriation of the Gift of the Sacrament.  He comes to us and offers Himself to us with all the benefits of His life and death; and then having offered Himself “He makes as though he would go farther,” and he does actually go, unless we are awake to our spiritual opportunity, and constrain Him, saying, “abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.”

We think of S. Joseph then, as with a relieved and rejoicing heart he enters upon his new realised vocation as the head of the Holy Family.  The marriage which he had been upon the point of abandoning he now enters that he may give S. Mary and her coming Child his full protection.