The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 19, 2004
Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16
Psalm 89:2-5,27,29
Romans 4:13,16-18,22
Matthew 1:16,18-21,24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

St. Joseph stands out as a crown jewel among saints. Like Joseph himself, Scripture is brief and succinct in its praise for telling us only that he was a just man. Because of his great trust in God's ways, and lifelong protection of Jesus and Mary, he has been named Patron of the Universal Church. How earnestly we need to "go to Joseph" in these troubled days, to beg his protection, to seek his intercession with God for a humility and trust like his own for all in the Church.

Joseph is the model for all men, in his self-effacing sacrifice for his wife and child, and in his great trust in God's plans, testing normal human logic to the breaking point. He is a model for men in his respect and tender love for Mary. Priests and all who are dedicated to a life of celibacy need to turn to Joseph on his feast, begging from this faithful saint the grace to keep untarnished their vows of chastity. Through his intercession, may we make suitable reparation for the weakness and sins of all who have broken trust with God, with the Church, and with children.

O St. Joseph,
patron of the universal Church,
restore her honor and integrity. Amen.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 6:07 AM