Look to Joseph, Book Review: Imitation of Saint Joseph
About the author
The Imitation of Saint Joseph was written by Fr. Matthew Kauth. Fr. Kauth is a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC. He currently serves as the Rector of St. Joseph College Seminary. In addition to The Imitation of Saint Joseph, Fr. Kauth has written two other books: Charity as Divine Human Friendship and The Sacraments: Discovering the Treasures of Divine Life. As always, I am making this review of my own accord without the influence of any interested parties. My wife bought this book for me with our own money
About the book
The Imitation of Saint Joseph was published in September of 2022 by TAN Books. It is available here. It is small book measuring about 4” wide and 5” tall. The leatherette cover, gilded edges, and ribbon show the careful attention given to publishing this work. The book is about 291 pages.
Summary of the book
The Imitation of Saint Joseph is separated into four parts. Part I sets the foundation by referring to Saint Thomas Aquinas to define “imitation” in order to prepare the reader to understand how to imitate that which they are about to see. Part II takes us through the Patriarchs of Joseph’s lineage and unpacks the history of these men by reviewing the Scriptures through Saint Joseph’s lens. Part III places us in the shoes of Saint Joseph while he lived with Jesus and Mary as the humble head of the Holy Family. Part IV closes out the book by helping to us to view the world like Saint Joseph and to take action in imitation of the Foster Father of Our Lord.
My review
Fr. Kauth had his work cut out for him when writing this book. The Scriptures contain no words spoken by Saint Joseph while mentioning just a few of his noble actions in the life of Christ. After having read this book twice, I find this book is a deeply spiritual work that focuses very well on how to think of Saint Joseph. The Imitation of Saint Joseph does a very good job in teaching us how to imitate Saint Joseph in our thoughts and actions so we may be all be better Christians. The author poses questions throughout the work to engage the reader to think about the mysterious man they are reading about. Fr. Kauth does not answer all these questions, instead walking us through The Imitation of Saint Joseph frequently pondering this mysterious yet exceptional man. Fr. Kauth shows us how to grow closer to Jesus and Mary in the likeness of Saint Joseph, who was the person who grew closer to them than anyone else.
I commend Fr. Kauth for tackling such a big project. The Imitation of Saint Joseph is a strong title inspired by the great spiritual work The Imitation of Christ from Thomas A Kempis. Such a strong title places the book under scrutiny to make sure the content merits such a title. In my opinion, Fr. Kauth did a fantastic job with this much needed work at a time when fatherhood is under attack throughout society. This book would be great for anyone to read, either in preparation for consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph or to grow closer to Jesus and Mary through Saint Joseph at any time of the liturgical year. I recommend taking your time reading this book in a quiet setting taking in a chapter or two at a time. We all need Saint Joseph in our lives more than ever. Men would especially benefit from reading this and growing closer to Saint Joseph so we may all be defenders of the Faith, the Church, and the family.
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