The final saint in our series leading up to All Saints Day (tomorrow - holy day of obligation) is:
St. Joseph: Nothing is known of St. Joseph's early life. According to St. Matthew, his father's name was Jacob and he was from the house of King David. He was an upright man, a carpenter by trade. He was humble and obedient, listening to and acting upon the messages given to him by angels. These messages directed his relationship with Mary, his spouse, and the early events of Jesus' life. We know that he led Mary to Bethlehem in obedience to demands of the census, and was present at the birth and presentation of Jesus. When Herod wanted to kill Jesus, he fled with Jesus and Mary to Egypt, then settled in Nazareth.We know he searched "in sorrow" for Jesus when he was missing in the temple in Jerusalem. The last we hear of Joseph, Jesus had gone back to Nazareth with him and was obedient to him. He was the foster father of Jesus, chosen by God to care for and safeguard the Saviour of the world.
Scripture passage for meditation: Matthew: 1:18-21,24
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to the law, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and said to him: "Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child. She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him and received her into his home as his wife.
Scripture passage for reflection: Luke: 2:48-51
When His parents saw Him they were astonished, and His mother said to Him: "Son, why have you done this to us? You see that your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow." He said to them: "Why did you search for me? Did you not know I had to be in my Father's House?" But they did not grasp what He said to them. He went down with them then, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother meanwhile kept all these things in her memory. Jesus, for His part, progressed steadily in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.
St. Teresa of Avila tells us: Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this saint (Joseph) for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God. I have never know anyone who was truly devoted to him and honored him by particular services who did not advance greatly in virtue, for he helps, in a special way, those souls who commend themselves to him...I ask, for the love of God, that he who does not believe me will make the trial for himself, the he will find out by experience the great good that results from commending oneself to this glorious Patriarch and in being devoted to him. Autobiography, VI:11-12.
Prayer: Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph for a happy death
Oh, St Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong,
so prompt before the throne of God,
I place in you all my interest and desires.
Oh, St Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession,
and obtain for me from your divine Son Jesus Christ
all spiritual blessings,
So that, having engaged your heavenly power here below,
I may offer my thanksgiving and praise to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St Joseph, I never grow weary contemplating you,
and Jesus asleep in your arms;
I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.
Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me
and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
St Joseph, patron saint of departing souls - Pray for me. Amen.
My thoughts: St. Joseph was a quiet man. He gave no speeches, wrote no books, made no public appearance tours and held no public office or position in the synagogue. By worldly standards, he was just a simple carpenter; yet God chose him to be the foster father of His Son, Jesus Christ. In reading between the lines of the few Bible passages where he is mentioned, it becomes clear why God picked him. He was upright, humble, obedient, loving, caring, quick to action, and strong. He did not question the messengers from God, and he was not afraid to do what it took to protect his wife and child. We learn that Jesus grew in wisdom and grace under his parenting. He cared not for the limelight, yet he is the most beloved and honored saint in the church today. May we always follow his example, setting ourselves aside for the good of our families, and entrusting ourselves always to the word of God.
St. Joseph, pray for us, now, and at the hour of our death, amen.
St. Joseph's feast day is March 19.
St. Joseph is the patron saint, among other things, of carpenters, the Catholic Church, dying people, expectant mothers, families, fathers, holy death, house hunters, laborers, married people, and many, many more... http://www.ewtn.com/
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