When Ruthie and I lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of our favorite places to visit was a small Gothic church on the Old Santa Fe Trail called the Loretto Chapel. It was built in 1873 and is still in use today. There is a legend about the chapel:
“When the Loretto Chapel was built, the architect forgot to include a way for the nuns to reach the choir loft. The sisters weighed their options and all were equally undesirable. They could build a conventional staircase, but that would take up too much room. They could rebuild the balcony, but that would be far too expensive. They could climb a dangerous ladder up and down, but that would be an accident waiting to happen. So, the nuns did what you and I should do when faced with a difficult situation — they prayed.”
One night while the sisters were praying about their predicament a white bearded stranger appeared at the door of the convent asking for work. A toolbox was strapped to his burro and he told the sisters he was a carpenter. When they told him their problem, he offered to build a spiral staircase. His spiral staircase was an engineering feat for all time, containing thirty-three steps and two complete turns of 360 degrees with no center support. The carpenter used wooden pegs instead of nails, and his only tools were a handsaw, a T-square, and a hammer. As soon as the staircase was finished, the unknown craftsman disappeared without asking to be paid.
Like the nuns back in 1873, many today believe the carpenter was indeed St.
Joseph. Maybe it is just a legend. But in this last week of Advent, I believe Joseph is out and about. In fact, I see him in many of you. He is out with a toolbox in hand, a model of faith who turns hopeless dilemmas into hopeful outcomes. Don’t expect lots of conversation from him. Rather, expect a demonstration of how to look at an impossible problem and build a stairway to heaven. Expect him to raise up for us, a savior who is Christ the Lord.
Great story, Paul.
Thanks, George.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and Madge!
Paul
Paul, I’m inspired by the legend. I’ll be on the lookout for Joseph, knowing that he will help me turn dilemmas into hopeful outcomes.
Thanks, Great-Grandma! Glad the legend inspired you and hope you see (and perhaps be) Joseph.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and Jimmie!
Paul
Perfect story for the Season. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Thomas. Thanks for being a Joseph in our midst.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
The Loretto Chapel is a thin place for me, even without the Legend of St. Joseph. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
You’re welcome, Martin. Glad it reminded you of a special thin place in your journey.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
Great story , Paul!! The greatest gift of hope and love from Joseph, Christ our Lord.
Thanks, Judy. Glad this spoke to you. Hope you’re feeling better and Blaise continues to be in our prayers.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
Oh Paul, thank you. Losing more water weight with all these fallen tears. Your story is touching and wonderful!! I needed this today
You’re welcome, Zada. Glad this story spoke to your heart on a difficult day. It was good to talk with you yesterday.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
I have been to the church many times and always marvel at the wonderful staircase !
Agnes, so glad this reflection reminded you of a special place in your journey.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
I love that and the story is inspiring, Thanks Paul!
You’re welcome, Jim. Glad this reflection and story spoke to you. Love to your wonderful, growing family!
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
I don’t wish to denigrate Joseph’s story, but in its entirety, it could have come from Tony Robbins or Zig Ziglar.
Thanks, Paul.
You’re welcome, Mike. Thanks for being a Joseph in our midst.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Paul
Paul, i presented you with a dilemma earlier this week. You offered an unexpected spiral staircase that has served me and my colleagues. THANK YOU!
You’re welcome, Rosie. Glad our little staircase helped this week.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Paul
This is lovely, Paul, and just what I needed. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Clay. Thanks for being a Joseph in our midst.
Advent Blessings and Merry Christmas to you & Brooks and Brenda & Jerry!
Paul
Thank you Paul. Pray pray and more prayers are graciously welcomed during Advent. I certainly see Joseph in YOU🥰
Story reminds me of the old movie “Lilly’s of the Field”. Thank you for the story.
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story. Peace.
Absolutely Beautiful Paul,
Thank You for sharing. True Believe and time are all it takes,