The Relationship of Pope John Paul II to the Father of the Redeemer
The Relationship of Pope John Paul II to the Father of the Redeemer

Summary/Abstract: The New Testament figure of St. Joseph comes to the fore in direct connection with his relationship with Mary, who is called to the service of motherhood, so that by divine action she may become the mother of the Redeemer. The title of St. John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation Redemptoris Custos indicates the mission of St. Joseph in the life of Jesus Christ as his protector. It is true that St. Joseph, Mary’s husband performs this role in certain situations. Joseph takes an attitude to a situation that affects him. For this reason, St. John Paul II does not focus only on the very service of the protector, but focuses on the relationship from which the protector’s service itself derives. This relationship is fatherhood, which corresponds to Joseph’s legitimate relationship with Mary. Mary herself defines Joseph’s relationship with Jesus as that of a father: „your father and I have been anxiously searching for you“ (Luke 2:48). It follows from the very marriage of Mary and Joseph, which unites them, that they both have the title of parent. John Paul II emphasizes this fact and formulates from it the relationship of fatherhood to Jesus. He revealed Joseph in the mystery of Christ with an emphasis on the biblical basis. The presented text reflects the new dimension of Joseph’s relationship with Christ, which is fulfilled by participating in the mystery of the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, together with Mary.

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