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FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ( March 19th )

CONSIDER FIRSTLY that, in order to understand the great power of the intercession of St. Joseph with Jesus Christ, it is enough to know what the Gospel says: He was subject to them. (Luke ii, 51.) For so many years then the Son of God was occupied in most carefully and minutely obeying Joseph and Mary! It sufficed that Joseph by a word or sign showed his wish, and Jesus at once obeyed. This humility of Jesus in obeying, shows us that the dignity of St. Joseph is exceedingly great.

APPLICATION: Have great devotion to St. Joseph and encourage others to do likewise.

AFFECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS: He sent a man before the: Joseph, who was sold for a slave, until his word came. The word of the Lord inflamed him. (Ps. civ, 17-19.)

CONSIDER SECONDLY that which St. Theresa says of confidence we should all have in the protection of St. Joseph; “It seems that God has granted to the other saints power to help us in some one necessity; but it is beyond doubt that this saint gives succour in all, and that God would have us understand that, as on earth He willed to be subject to him, so in heaven He grants all that the saints asks of Him. This many have proved by experience whom I had counselled to commend themselves to him. I have never known any one, who has shown him special service, whom I have not also seen advance in virtue. I beg for the love of God that any one who does not believe this would only try. Moreover I do not know how any one can think of the Queen of angels, and of the days that she passed during the childhood of Jesus, and not thank St. Joseph for the support and help he gave at that time to the Mother and the Son.”

APPLICATION: Follow the counsel of Holy Writ in all your troubles: Go to Joseph and do all that he shall say to you. (Gen. xli, 55.)

AFFECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS: He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possessions. (Ps. civ, 21.)

CONSIDER THIRDLY that we should be especially devout to St. Joseph, in order that he may obtain for us the grace of a happy death. Having saved the infant Jesus from the snares of Herod, he has the special privilege of protecting the dying from the snares of the devil. Moreover because of the protection he gave for so many years to Jesus and to Mary, in providing a house and food for them by the labour of his hands, he has the privilege of obtaining for those, who are devoted to him, the special aid of Jesus and of Mary at the time of their death.

APPLICATION: My holy protector, St. Joseph, by my sins I have indeed deserved an unhappy death, but if you will defend me, most assuredly I shall not be lost. You are not only a special friend of my Judge, but you were also His guardian and teacher. Recommend me to your Jesus Who loves you so much. I place myself under your patronage, accept me for your servant for ever. By the holy familiarity with Jesus and Mary which you enjoyed during life, obtain from God that I may never more separate myself from their love. And by the assistance which Jesus and Mary rendered you at your death, obtain for me, at my death, a special help from Jesus and Mary. Holy Virgin, by the love you bore to your spouse St. Joseph, do not fail to help me at the moment of my death.

AFFECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS: Though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff: they have comforted me. (Ps. xxii, 4.)

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