March 19th -- Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In thinking of St. Joseph, it seems I've only recently come to appreciate this wonderful saint. In many ways, I am still learning and discovering how to pray to him.
Sometimes I try to reflect on a few scenes from the gospels, and imagine how St. Joseph might have participated in these events. My prayers become simple offerings of thankfulness and gratitude...
Some examples:
- Thank you, St. Joseph for not sending away Our Lady when you learned that she was "with child". Thank you for not exposing her to the cruel demands of the law.
- Thank you for caring for and protecting Mary and the Child Jesus.
- Thank you for being willing to uproot your family and travel to Egypt when pursued by King Herod.
- Thank you for not being too angry with Our Blessed Lady when you discovered the child Jesus was not with her -- on your return from the trip to the Temple.
- Thank you for your patience and skill, which you showed when instructing the young Jesus in the carpenter's trade.
- Thank you for remaining silent (the gospels don't record many of your words). But thank you for always listening to the voice of God!
