In our contemplation of Mary, and the grace bestowed on her, for she was full of grace, we should not overlook the saintly excellencies of her espoused husband, Joseph. We need not examine into the Divine purposes in this espousal. Infinite wisdom ordered and arranged it. But we should not fail to observe and admire Joseph's submission to the Divine will, made known to him by an angel, trying as it would be to him, exposing him to the suspicions and contempt of his neighbours and the world. Observe his faith and courage in taking to him Mary as his wife; in his careful guardianship of her and the Divine Infant in the journey to Egypt and back; in his entire obedience to every direction and command of God. What wisdom, what piety, what graces did he give proof of? Let us endeavour to daily walk after him, and according to the work or trials God calls us to, to imitate blessed Joseph's exemplary conduct. It will ensure us the favour of Him, who though subject to Joseph as His foster-father, in the cottage of Nazareth, watched over him as the Incarnate God, and has now placed him in great nearness to Himself, among the saints, who for evermore encircle His throne in heaven.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp