St
Joseph: The Custodian of our Saviour
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“His humble and sincere love for
his betrothed and his decision to join his life to Mary’s attracted and
introduced him, “a just man”, to a special intimacy with God. Indeed, with Mary
and later, especially, with Jesus, he began a new way of relating to God,
accepting him in his life, entering his project of salvation and doing his
will.
After trustfully complying with
the Angel’s instructions “Do not fear to take Mary your wife” — he took Mary to
him and shared his life with her; he truly gave the whole of himself to Mary
and to Jesus and this led him to perfect his response to the vocation he had
received.
As we know, the Gospel has not
recorded any of Joseph’s words: his is a silent and faithful, patient and
hard-working presence. We may imagine that he too, like his wife and in close
harmony with her, lived the years of Jesus’ childhood and adolescence
savouring, as it were, his presence in their family.
Joseph fulfilled every aspect of his paternal
role. He must certainly have taught Jesus to pray, together with Mary. In
particular Joseph himself must have taken Jesus to the Synagogue for the rites
of the Sabbath, as well as to Jerusalem for the great feasts of the people of
Israel. Joseph, in accordance with the Jewish tradition, would have led the
prayers at home both every day — in the morning, in the evening, at meals — and
on the principal religious feasts.
In the rhythm of the days he spent
at Nazareth, in the simple home and in Joseph’s workshop, Jesus learned to
alternate prayer and work, as well as to offer God his labour in earning the
bread the family needed.”
(Benedict XVI, Paul VI Audience Hall, 28th
December 2011)
Prayer to Saint Joseph
Oh, St. Joseph, whose
protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all
my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me
by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your devine Son all
spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged
here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the
most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never
weary of contemplating you, and Jesusasleep 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 of
departing souls - Pray for me.
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