My Journey to God

He’s My Son, Too (A tribute to St. Joseph)

I promise, God, to stand by Mary
I promise to always love your son
I promise through the joys and struggles
To always see that your will be done.

I’ve never asked for any glory
I always want to be true to you
I just ask as you write his story
Remember, Jesus is my son, too.

My love for my Mary grows stronger
I’m awed by her magnificent “yes”
She kindly tells me I’ve done the same
I’m just trying to give you my best.

We begin the journey together
We know you’ll be with us all the way
Still, a father wants more for his son
Than to sleep in a manger of hay.

The angel comes again to warn me
To escape from the death and the strife
It stirs a feeling deep within me
I’ll do everything to save his life.

I’ve never asked for any glory
I always want to be true to you
I just ask as you write his story
Remember, I need and count on you.

I watch my wife and son together
I cherish their closeness and their love
I want to stay this way forever
But then he turns his gaze to above.

I’m not sure why you ever chose me
It’s not for the work that I have done
Still, I take my own measure of pride
In helping shape this carpenter’s son.

And when it’s time to come home to you
Let me feel the comfort of his arms
My last prayer is you always keep him
From all suffering, from any harm.

I’ve never asked for any glory
I always want to be true to you
I just ask as you write his story
Remember, I put my trust in you.

I’m sure you will do what’s best for him
It is what we fathers try to do
I don’t know the plan you have for him
Still he will do what you ask him to.

Thank you for making me a father
It’s a gift beyond any compare
To know and love a child so deeply
Is the everlasting bond we share.

Please keep him in your care forever
Let his heart and his soul remain true
Let his life serve all your dear children
I believe that’s what our son will do.

I’ve never asked for any glory
I always want to be true to you
I just ask as you write his story
Always remember, he’s my son, too.

By John Shaughnessy
 

(John Shaughnessy is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianapolis and is assistant editor for The Criterion.)