John and Joe

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. The Gospel for today’s Mass is the scene from the Gospel according to John where John and Peter arrive at Jesus’ tomb and find the burial clothes folded. My pastor made a very interesting point that I had never heard before in his homily at this morning’s Mass; he attributed the connection of the “swaddling clothes” that Jesus was wrapped in as a newborn (Luke 2:7) with the burial clothes mentioned in today’s Gospel. That got me thinking.

In John’s Gospel, Joseph of Aramathea provided for Jesus his burial clothes (John 19:39-40). Is it possible that Joe provided the swaddling clothes for Jesus at his birth? Is it merely coincidental that both are named Jesus? Granted this is pure speculation, but it’s interesting to consider nonetheless. In both accounts,

Jesus is:

• cared for by His Mother who is assisted by a man named Joseph 
• laid in a cave
• sought to be killed (or remain killed) by Jewish soldiers
• emerges victorious from the cave after an apparent defeat

And the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh corresponding to Jesus’ role as king, priest and victim on the cross.

Stephen and Joseph

MERRY CHRISTMAS! CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!

Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, one of the first seven deacons of the Church and the first Christian martyr. Did you know that before he was killed, he gave a really long summary of God’s saving work through the Old Testament (Acts 7:2-53) including the Old Testament Joseph (vs. 9-16)?

And here is a great reflection on Joe’s presence at the Nativity from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Akathist Hymn in Honor of the Righteous Joseph, the Betrothed of the Most-Holy Virgin Mary (5th Ikos):

Rejoice! You who before all others beheld the descent to earth of the unsetting Sun of Righteousness!

Rejoice! First witness and servant on earth of the incarnate Son of God, Who was born of the Father before all ages!

Rejoice! Earthly carpenter who was vouchsafed to be called the father of the heavenly Architect!

Rejoice! Protector and guardian of the Infant to Whom the ranks of angels minister with fear!

Rejoice! Reverent servant of the Mother of God, the Word!

Rejoice! O righteous Joseph, ready helper and intercessor for our souls!

Let's take a 100 mile walk

Have you ever considered what it would have been like for Joe to walk along side of Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem? It certainly would have been a time of great trial for both of them. According to Google Maps, the recommended walking route now is about 100 miles. Could you imagine walking along side a donkey carrying a young mother, who is due to give birth any day now? I'm hard pressed to walk a single mile these days, let alone one hundred! Anything more than a 10 minute walk almost necessitates a car these days.

I came across a beautiful quote placed in the mouth of the Holy Mother of God to Joe that I would like to share with you:

O virgin, when Joseph went up to Bethlehem sounded by sorrow, thou didst cry to him: "Why art thou downcast and troubled, seeing me great with child? Why art thou wholly ignorant of the fearful mystery that comes to pass in me?  Henceforth, cast every fear aside and understand this strange marvel: for in my womb God now descends upon the earth for mercy's sake, and He has taken flesh.  thou shalt see Him according to His good pleasure, when He is born; and fill with joy thou shalt worship Him as Thy Creator, Whom the angels praise without ceasing in song and glorify with the father and the Holy Spirit."

I found it in another blog reflection on the Journey to Bethlehem, and I encourage you to take some time and read it. It also shares several beautiful Greek Icons of the Mary and Joe's journey.

Also, if you're not familiar with the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas, I encourage you to take some time and watch this short video describing the tradition.

Old Testament "Annunciation"

Last week I introduced Asenath, the wife of the Old Testament Joseph. This week, I would like to continue observing Asenath and Joseph to draw out more "behind the scenes" footage of Mary and Joe. In the apocryphal book, Joseph and Asenath, there is a story of an angel of God appearing to Asenath. This is what the angel said (14:6-15:11):


"Asenath, Asenath... Take heart, Asenath, and do not be afraid; but stand up, and I will speak to you... Take heart, Asenath, for lo, the Lord has heard the words of your confession. Take heart, Asenath, your name is written in the book of life, and it will never be blotted out. 


From to-day you will be made new, and refashioned, and given new life; and you shall eat the bread of life and drink the cup of immortality, and be anointed with the unction of incorruption. 

Take heart, Asenath: lo, the Lord has given you to Joseph to be his bride, and he shall be your bridegroom. And you shall no more be called Asenath, but 'City of Refuge' shall be your name; for many nations shall take refuge in you, and under your wings shall many peoples find shelter, and within your walls those who give their allegiance to God in penitence will find security... 

And lo, I am on my way to Joseph, and I will talk to him about you, and he will come to you to-day and see you and rejoice over you; and he shall be your bridegroom. So listen to me, Asenath, and put on your wedding robe, the ancient robe, the first that was stored away in your room, and deck yourself in all your finest jewelry, and adorn yourself as a bride, and be ready to meet him. For lo, he is coming to you to-day; and he will see you and rejoice." 

This sounds a lot like the Annunciation pre-nativity scenes (Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-21). In fact, this passage would do well as a Marian Annunciation for the Gospel of Matthew. It follows the structure of Luke, with some additional details that fit Matthew's emphasis on Joe.

• First, the angel appears to Mary and Asenath, greets them, and tells them not to be afraid. 
• Next, the angel relates a message/assurance to Mary and Aseneth.  
• Then, the angel informs Asenath that he will go to Joseph and speak to him.
• Finally, there is the meeting of Joe/Joseph and Mary/Asenath. 

Joseph and Asenath

We have finally entered the liturgical season of Advent, preparing for the celebration of Christ's birth and for His return. It is also the season of reading the Old Testament as we will for every celebration of Mass during Advent. So, we too shall look to the Old Testament.

Last week, we began looking at the story of the Old Testament Joseph, and in particular, the story of Pharaoh making Joseph the #2 guy in Egypt, which gave us a deeper understanding of Joe's role in the "hierarchy" of saints. Immediately after this scene, we get some really interesting information that furthers our understanding of Joe: Genesis says, "Pharaoh also bestowed the name of Zaphenath-paneah on Joseph, and he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of Heliopolis." (Gen. 41:45).

Now, if you're like me, the first time you read this, you probably asked yourself "What did Pharaoh call him? Zaphe-WHAT? and what in the world is up with his wife?" but don't worry, because these names are really cool and more than coincidental!

The New American Bible (Revised Edition) gives a footnote for this verse, which says:

1. Zaphenath-paneah: “the god speaks and he lives.” 
2. Asenath: “belonging to Neith.” 
3. Potiphera: “he whom Ra gave”. 
• Heliopolis: a city of the chief temple of the sun god.

We can understand these words to be very interesting foreshadowing of the Holy Family:

1. When Joe found Mary pregnant, and not by him, he could have had her put to death for being unfaithful to their marriage. Naturally, if she would have been put to death, so would have her Son as well. So, when God speaks through the angel in Joe's dream and Joe is obedient to the messenger, the child does in fact live.
2. Neith can be considered to relate in two ways:

1. Neith was the Egyptian goddess who gave birth to Ra, the Egyptian sun-god and the greatest of the gods. Mary, although not a goddess, is indeed the true Mother of God.
2. Neith was also the goddess of creation who brought about creation by moving the primordial waters. The Holy Spirit, who moved the primordial waters of creation (Gen. 1:1-2), also had a role to play in the incarnation of Jesus (Luke 1:35, Matt. 1:18,20)
3. Asenath's father was a priest, but not just any priest. He was a priest of great sun-god, Ra. Recall the tradition of Mary being a daughter of Aaron that I shared already? Just like Asenath, Mary too was a member of the High-Priestly House.

Cool huh!?

Joe, King of Heaven?

Like Mary, Joe's dignity comes from his relationship to the Incarnate Word: Mary's dignity comes from being Jesus' mother; Joe's dignity comes from being Mary's spouse. This past Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of Christ the King of the Universe in the Roman Catholic Church. Many use this as the launch point for believing that Mary is Queen of Heaven and Earth. But what about Joe? Is he of royal dignity like Jesus and Mary?

Yes, he is "son of David," the great King of Israel (Matt. 1:20), but is there more? Let's take another look at the Old Testament Joseph. We all know the story: Joseph has dreams and special clothes and is sold as a slave into Egypt (Gen. 37), he goes to jail for being chaste (Gen. 39), he interprets dreams in jail (Gen. 40), and after being in jail for two years, he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh (Gen. 41). In gratitude for Joseph's response, Pharaoh says to him, "You shall be in charge of my household, and all my people will obey your command. Only in respect to the throne will I outrank you." (Gen. 41:40)

Does not the same happen with Joe? The Father says to him, "You shall be in charge of my household, and all my people will obey your command. Only in respect to the throne will I outrank you."

So, is Joe "King of Heaven"? No, but he's only a step below God - although, it is an infinite step between him and God.

"He made him lord over his household, ruler over all his possessions"

-Psalm 105:21

Why is Joe always holding lilies?

Do you know why Joe is almost always holding lilies? It partly has to do with today’s celebration of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple. This is an ancient feast, and we find it mentioned in a couple different early stories, particularly in the Protoevangelium of James and the Gospel of the Nativity of Mary. In both, the account of Mary being presented in the Temple at the age of three is followed by the account of her betrothal to Joe. Here is the account according to the Protoevangelium of James (8-9):



When she was twelve years old, there was held a council of the priests, saying: Behold, Mary has reached the age of twelve years in the temple of the Lord. What then shall we do with her, lest perchance she defile the sanctuary of the Lord? 

And they said to the high priest: You stand by the altar of the Lord; go in, and pray concerning her; and whatever the Lord shall manifest unto you, that also will we do. And the high priest went in, taking the robe with the twelve bells into the holy of holies; and he prayed concerning her. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, saying unto him: Zacharias, Zacharias, go out and assemble the widowers of the people, and let them bring each his rod; and to whomsoever the Lord shall show a sign, his wife shall she be. And the heralds went out through all the circuit of Judæa, and the trumpet of the Lord sounded, and all ran.

And Joseph, throwing away his axe, went out to meet them; and when they had assembled, they went away to the high priest, taking with them their rods. And he, taking the rods of all of them, entered into the temple, and prayed; and having ended his prayer, he took the rods and came out, and gave them to them: but there was no sign in them, and Joseph took his rod last; and, behold, a dove came out of the rod, and flew upon Joseph's head. And the priest said to Joseph, You have been chosen by lot to take into your keeping the virgin of the Lord.

But Joseph refused, saying: I have children, and I am an old man, and she is a young girl. I am afraid lest I become a laughing-stock to the sons of Israel. And the priest said to Joseph: Fear the Lord your God, and remember what the Lord did to Dathan, and Abiram, and Korah (Numbers 16:31-33) how the earth opened, and they were swallowed up on account of their contradiction. And now fear, O Joseph, lest the same things happen in your house. And Joseph was afraid, and took her into his keeping. And Joseph said to Mary: Behold, I have received you from the temple of the Lord; and now I leave you in my house, and go away to build my buildings, and I shall come to you. The Lord will protect you.

Jesus' Prayer for Joe

Last week, I shared Joe's prayer of preparation for death according to the History of Joseph the Carpenter. This week, I'm sharing the same story's account of Jesus praying for Joe at the moment of his death. May this be our prayer for those who are dying!

O Father of all mercy, eye which see, and ear which hear, hearken to my prayers and supplications in behalf of the old man Joseph; and send Michael, the prince of Your angels, and Gabriel, the herald of light, and all the light of Your angels, and let their whole array walk with the soul of my father Joseph, until they shall have conducted it to You. This is the hour in which my father has need of compassion. And I say unto you, that all the saints, yea, as many men as are born in the world, whether they be just or whether they be perverse, must of necessity taste of death

Joe's Prayer of Preparation

It is well known that Joe does not have a single recorded line or word spoken in the Holy Scriptures. However, there are a number of significant ancient works that tell Joe's story. One of these is entitled The History of Joseph the Carpenter, which many believe was written sometime between 300 and 500 AD by a Coptic Christian (by the way, the icons are Coptic). The author of the work, puts into Joe's mouth this prayer in anticipation of his death, and it is certainly a great prayer for all of us:

O God! Author of all consolation, God of all compassion, and Lord of the whole human race; God of my soul, body, and spirit; with supplications I reverence you, O Lord and my God. 

If now my days are ended, and the time draws near when I must leave this world, send me, I beseech You, the great Michael, the prince of Your holy angels: let him remain with me, that my wretched soul may depart from this afflicted body without trouble, without terror and impatience. 

For great fear and intense sadness take hold of all bodies on the day of their death, whether it be man or woman, beast wild or tame, or whatever creeps on the ground or flies in the air. At the last all creatures under heaven in whom is the breath of life are struck with horror, and their souls depart from their bodies with strong fear and great depression. 

Now therefore, O Lord and my God, let Your holy angel be present with his help to my soul and body, until they shall be dissevered from each other. And let not the face of the angel, appointed my guardian from the day of my birth, be turned away from me; but may he be the companion of my journey even until he bring me to You: let his countenance be pleasant and gladsome to me, and let him accompany me in peace. 

And let not demons of frightful aspect come near me in the way in which I am to go, until I come to You in bliss. And let not the doorkeepers hinder my soul from entering paradise. 

And do not uncover my sins, and expose me to condemnation before Your terrible tribunal. Let not the lions rush in upon me; nor let the waves of the sea of fire overwhelm my soul— for this must every soul pass through — before I have seen the glory of Your Godhead. 

God, most righteous Judge, who in justice and equity will judge mankind, and will render unto each one according to his works, O Lord and my God, I beseech You, be present to me in Your compassion, and enlighten my path that I may come to You; for You are a fountain overflowing with all good things, and with glory for evermore. Amen.

Icons and Mysteries

Apostles Creed

The 1st Joyful Mystery:

The Annunciation of the Incarnation

The 2nd Joyful Mystery:

The Visitation of Mary with her Cousin Elizabeth

The 3rd Joyful Mystery:

The Nativity of Jesus in the Stable at Bethlehem

The 4th Joyful Mystery:

The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple

The 5th Joyful Mystery:

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The First Sorrowful Mystery:

The Agony in the Garden

The Second Sorrowful Mystery:

The Scourging at the Pillar

The Third Sorrowful Mystery:

The Crowning with Thorns

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery:

The Carrying of the Cross

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery:

The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord

The First Glorious Mystery:

The Resurrection of Our Lord from the Dead

The Second Glorious Mystery:

The Ascension of Our Lord

The Third Glorious Mystery:

The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

The Fourth Glorious Mystery:

The Assumption of Mary, Body and Soul, into Heaven

The Fifth Glorious Mystery:

The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Closing Prayer

Personal Prayer Meditations

The 1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation of the Incarnation
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this most sacred mystery in which you became man, give me the grace to discern properly Your holy will and the docility to accept it.
The 2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation of Mary with her Cousin Elizabeth
    O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to be a true servant to others.
The 3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Jesus in the Stable at Bethlehem
    O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this most sacred mystery in which for the first time humanity beheld Your human face, give me a spirit of poverty and gratitude for Your many blessings.
The 4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple
    O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to be obedient to all whom You have placed in authority over me - especially Your Church.
The 5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
    O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the perseverance to search for You and to find You in all persons, at all times, in all place, and in all things.

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to conform my will to Yours.
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to be detached from all the sinful desires of the flesh.
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to be detached from all the sinful desires of the mind.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to pick-up  my cross and to follow You, the humility to allow others to help me along the way, and the charity to help them.
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this most sacred mystery in which You gave Your life for me, give me the grace to forgive others, as You forgave us.

The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord from the Dead
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this most sacred of all mysteries in which you conquered death by death, give me Your peace.
The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the knowledge and understanding of Your mysteries so that I might better live out your command to go and teach all nations.
The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this most sacred mystery in which You filled Your Church with Your Holy Spirit, give me the burning zeal to share Your holy Gospel.
The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary, Body and Soul, into Heaven
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the blessing of being united with my family in the eternal beatitude of heaven.
The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
   O God, my God, through the intercession of St. Joseph and by the merits of this holy mystery, give me the grace to live out my calling with charity, humility, and perseverance, so that I may receive from You the crown of glory that You made for me from the foundation of the world.

Scriptural Meditations

The 1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation of the Incarnation
   “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
The 2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation of Mary with her Cousin Elizabeth
   "How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43)
The 3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Jesus in the Stable at Bethlehem
   "You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
The 4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple
   "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel." (Luke 2:34)
The 5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
   “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” (Luke 2:48)

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
   “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39)
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
   "I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” (Luke 23:22)
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
   “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matt. 27:29)
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
   “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children." (Luke 23:28)
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord
   “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)

The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord from the Dead
   “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
   "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19)
The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
   "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38)
The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary, Body and Soul, into Heaven
   "Well done, my good and faithful servant... Come, share your master’s joy." (Matt. 25:21)
The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
   "Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matt. 25:34)

Introduction to the Chaplet of St. Joseph

As we continue the Month of the Holy Rosary, I'd like to share with you a devotional prayer that has been a huge part of my life for the last seven or so years: the Chaplet of St. Joseph. In fact, it is because of the Chaplet, I fell in love with Joe's patronage.

The reason I bring it up now is because it is based on the rosary itself - much like the dignity of Joe emanates from the dignity of his holy spouse, whose dignity emanates from the dignity of her Son.


-It begins with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles Creed.

-Afterwards, for each of the traditional 15 mysteries of the rosary, there is:
1) a meditation on the mystery,
2) two Hail Mary's, and
3) three recitations of "Praised and blessed be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!"
               It's literally as simple as 1, 2, 3!

-Then, after praying through the 15 mysteries:
"Pray for us O holy St. Joseph.
     That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ."

- Finally, in conclusion:
"O, God, Who had predestined St. Joseph from all eternity for the service of Thine Eternal Son and His Blessed Mother, and made him worthy to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of Thy Son: we beseech Thee, through all the services he has rendered to Jesus and Mary on earth, that Thou wouldst make us worthy of his intercession and grant us to enjoy the happiness of his company in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen"

Over the course of the next couple weeks, I will share various meditations for the 15 mysteries that have developed over the years in my praying through the Chaplet. 

As I have experienced miraculous effects through Joe's intercession in this Chaplet, I hope that you too will experience miraculous healing as I have!

Ad Te Beate Ioseph

As we begin the month of October -the month of the Holy Rosary- my posts will revolve around the Rosary.

Today, I share with you an indulgenced prayer written by Pope Leo XIII in 1889, which is recommended to be prayed at the conclusion of praying the Rosary:

To you, O blessed Joseph,
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.

Through that charity which bound you
to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood,
and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family,
defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; 
O most loving father, ward off from us
every contagion of error and corrupting influence; 
O our most mighty protector, be kind to us
and from heaven assist us in our struggle
with the power of darkness.

As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril,
so now protect God's Holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity;
shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid,
we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness,
and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.

Amen.

You can also listen to a beautiful musical rendition of the Latin text of the prayer:

Terror of Demons

My absolute favorite title given to Joe is 'Terror of Demons'. How awesome of a name is that! It's even better than St. Anthony of Padua's 'Hammer of Heretics'. Yet, no matter where I've looked, I have not been able to find where and how the title originated. So, rather than giving an historical explanation, I offer a more reflective one:

Consider first what the word 'terror' means to you. In today's world, I imagine it's pretty common for us to conjure up images of the acts of radical islamists - Terrorism. So, the question is: "Is this the same kind of terror that Joe instills in the hearts of the demonic?" You might be surprised, but I say yes.

What makes terrorism an effective tool in war? It is unexpected, it attacks without distinction, and it usually goes for the weakest and most vulnerable in a society. Joe is the same with the demonic. Demons do not know where and how he will "strike" next, and he certainly doesn't seem to too selective of the kinds of demons he smites. As Teresa of Avila said, "To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succour us in some of our necessities, but of this glorious saint my experience is that he succours us in them all" (Autobiography Chapter 6). In other words, Joe isn't at all too picky about which demons he liberates us from.

Now, obviously, this is far from justifying the use of terrorism as a means of physical warfare. It's one thing to act violently towards innocent human beings made in the image and likeness of God; it's totally another to wage spiritual warfare with demonic spirits who have rejected the Gift God's Presence. So, as we approach the Solemnity of St. Michael and other the Holy Archangels this Saturday, let us call upon them with Joe to do spiritual battle on our behalf during this very tumultuous time in our Church's history.

One Mother, Two Roots

Last week, I shared a part of a homily of St. John Chrysostom where he demonstrates that Mary is a daughter of David. This week, I share a paragraph from St. Augustine's work The Harmony of the Gospels, where he indicates that in addition to being a daughter of David, she is also a daughter of Aaron:

Thus, too, even if one were able to demonstrate that no descent, according to the laws of blood, could be claimed from David for Mary, we should have warrant enough to hold Christ to be the son of David, on the ground of that same mode of reckoning by which also Joseph is called His father (Luke 2:33, 41, 48). But seeing that the Apostle Paul unmistakably tells us that Christ was of the seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3), how much more ought we to accept without any hesitation the position that Mary herself also was descended in some way, according to the laws of blood, from the lineage of David? 

Moreover, since this woman's connection with the priestly family also is a matter not left in absolute obscurity, inasmuch as Luke inserts the statement that Elisabeth, whom he records to be of the daughters of Aaron, was her cousin (Luke 1:5, 36), we ought most firmly to hold by the fact that the flesh of Christ sprang from both lines; to wit, from the line of the kings, and from that of the priests, in the case of which persons there was also instituted a certain mystical unction which was symbolically expressive among this people of the Hebrews. In other words, there was a chrism; which term makes the import of the name of Christ patent, and presents it as something indicated so long time ago by an intimation so very intelligible.

And if Mary is a daughter of Aaron, then she too is a descendent relative of Eleazar (Numbers 20:22-29). And if she is in relation to Eleazar, then her heavenly, bodily resurrection along with Jesus and Joseph was prefigured as I wrote about in the post on the Solemnity of the Assumption.

Son and Daughter of David

This past Saturday, we celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, and the Gospel reading was the genealogy of Jesus according to Matthew. Now the question is, why read the genealogy of Jesus (which traces Joe's lineage, not Mary's) on the feast of Mary's Nativity?

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, the great Greek Doctor and Father of the Church. It seems to me an appropriate time to share his thoughts on the importance of Joseph's lineage and perhaps an explanation for reading Joe's genealogy for Mary's birth. This is from his second homily on the Gospel of Matthew (7-8). As a side note, he also mentions a "mystical" reason for Joseph's lineage in this homily; you can read it in the third homily.

"But [how] is it manifest that [Christ] is of David? one may say. For if He was not sprung of a man, but from a woman only, and the Virgin has not her genealogy traced, how shall we know that He was of David's race? Thus, there are two things inquired; both why His mother's genealogy is not recited, and wherefore it can be that Joseph is mentioned by them, who has no part in the birth: since the latter seems to be superfluous, and the former a defect.

Of which then is it necessary to speak first? How the Virgin is of David. How then shall we know that she is of David? Hearken unto God, telling Gabriel to go unto a virgin betrothed to a man (whose name was Joseph), of the house and lineage of David (Luke 1:27). What now would you have plainer than this, when you have heard that the Virgin was of the house and lineage of David?

Hence it is evident that Joseph also was of the same. Yes, for there was a law, which bade that it should not be lawful to take a wife from any other stock, but from the same tribe (Numbers 36:6-9). And the patriarch Jacob also foretold that He should arise out of the tribe of Judah, saying [that] there shall not fail a ruler out of Judah, nor a governor out of his loins, until He come for whom it is appointed, and He is the expectation of the Gentiles (Genesis 49:10).

Well; this prophecy does indeed make it clear that He was of the tribe of Judah, but not also that He was of the family of David. Was there then in the tribe of Judah one family only, even that of David, or were there not also many others? And might it not happen for one to be of the tribe of Judah, but not also of the family of David?

Nay, lest you should say this, the evangelist has removed this suspicion of yours, by saying, that He was of the house and lineage of David.

And if you wish to learn this from another reason besides, neither shall we be at a loss for another proof. For not only was it not allowed to take a wife out of another tribe, but not even from another lineage, that is, from another kindred. So that if either we connect with the Virgin the words, of the house and lineage of David, what has been said stands good; or if with Joseph, by that fact this also is proved. For if Joseph was of the house and lineage of David, he would not have taken his wife from another than that whence he himself was sprung.

What then, one may say, if he transgressed the law? Why, for this cause he has by anticipation testified that Joseph was righteous, on purpose that you might not say this, but having been told his virtue, might be sure also that he would not have transgressed the law. For he who was so benevolent, and free from passion, as not to wish, even when urged by suspicion, to attempt inflicting punishment on the Virgin, how should he have transgressed the law for lust? He that showed wisdom and self-restraint beyond the law (for to put her away, and that privily, was to act with self-restraint beyond the law), how should he have done anything contrary to the law; and this when there was no cause to urge him?

Now that the Virgin was of the race of David is indeed from these things evident; but wherefore he gave not her genealogy, but Joseph's, requires explanation. For what cause was it then? It was not the law among the Jews that the genealogy of women should be traced. In order then that he might keep the custom, and not seem to be making alterations from the beginning, and yet might make the Virgin known to us, for this cause he has passed over her ancestors in silence, and traced the genealogy of Joseph. For if he had done this with respect to the Virgin, he would have seemed to be introducing novelties; and if he had passed over Joseph in silence, we should not have known the Virgin's forefathers. In order therefore that we might learn, touching Mary, who she was, and of what origin, and that the laws might remain undisturbed, he has traced the genealogy of her espoused husband, and shown him to be of the house of David. For when this has been clearly proved, that other fact is demonstrated with it, namely, that the Virgin likewise is sprung from thence, by reason that this righteous man, even as I have already said, would not have endured to take a wife from another race."

Only a carpenter?

This past Monday, we celebrated the US holiday of Labor Day, and it just so happens that Joe is the patron saint of laborers. Why? You might say, "Well, because he was a carpenter," and you have answered well.

But WAIT, THERE IS MORE!!! Check out this great article on a deeper meaning of Joe being a τέκτων.


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FYI, because I have begun the very busy year of 2nd Theology in seminary, I will probably be sharing more "interesting finds" over the next couple weeks. I ask for your prayers through the intercession of Joe who taught Jesus the Faith (Deut. 6:4-9, 20-25, Luke 2:51-52).

Mud Pies and Dust Smoothies

Naturally, when I was growing up, a favorite activity was making those wonderful mud pies and slinging them at others. While some see this as child's play, it's actually an imitation of the Divine. Take for example that God made Adam out of mud (depending on the translation: dirt, dust, etc.) (Genesis 2:7). 

Yet there is another very significant passage from the Mosaic Law that deals with dust (Numbers 5:11-31), and I believe that it is very closely linked to Joe. Basically, I'm talking about the ritual that was for women who were suspected by their husbands of being unfaithful without actually finding them in the act of adultery:

1. The husband first brings his wife to the priest with a offering of barley meal (aka the important ingredient of Scotch Whiskey).
2. The priest leads the woman to "stand before the Lord".
3. The priest uncovers the woman's head and gives her the barley meal to hold.
4. The priest then takes holy water and adds "some dust from the floor of the tabernacle" to the holy water.
5. The priest makes a pronouncement to the woman saying if she is faithful, nothing will bad will happen, but if she was unfaithful to her husband, then some serious consequences will come about.
6. The priest writes the pronouncement down on paper and washes it in the holy dust water.
7. The priest and the woman switch objects (water and barley), and the priest burns some of the barley on the altar.
8. Finally, the woman drinks the "water of bitterness", and God does his work of vindicating or condemning the woman.

So, how does this apply to Joe? 

Well, its a pretty safe assumption that Mary was not caught in the act of adultery because, well, she never committed it (of course, we know that, but Joe didn't). So, before Joe could accuse her as being an adulteress, he and Mary had to go through with this ritual since they were Law-abiding Jews. So, when nothing bad happened to Mary, Joe was left questioning. He knew it was not his child, and he believed that it was not another via the ritual. So, how was it possible for her to be with child? 

It seems to me that Joe assumed that God was mysteriously involved but had absolutely no idea how. And if he could not explain it to himself, how could he explain it to others? Hence, he did not want "to expose her to shame, [and] decided to divorce her quietly" (Matthew 1:19). And it wasn't until the Angel filled him in on the current events of Mary's life in a dream, that he found out about the true nature of his wife's baby.

Just a couple more observations:

• Incidentally, one of several interpretations of the meaning of the name of Mary is "bitter sea." How appropriate for the one that the bitter water left unharmed! 
• The woman's head was uncovered in the ritual. In Hebrew culture, veiling was used to cover the sacred. So, in unveiling Mary and through the ritual, the priest uncovers to Joseph the most Sacred of All - God Himself!
• Do you remember that scene from Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ when the Jewish leaders bring Mary Magdalene to Jesus, and Jesus epically writes in the sand (John 8:2-11)? Of course, there have been many speculations on what he wrote (and it is all speculation!), but I would like to offer just one more: Jesus was reminding the Jewish leaders of their duty to put Magdalene to the bitter water test (who incidentally also bears the name Mary!).
• Finally, the significance of the barley... 
• The quantity is the same as the manna that Aaron the priest placed in the ark of the covenant, and Mary is the new ark of the covenant! (Exodus 16:16,32-36) 
• Barley loaves were miraculously multiplied by Christ in the feeding of the multitude (John 6:5-15)
• Both the manna and the barley loaves are prefigurements of Christ the "bread of life" (John 6:31-35)

Joe, the Silent Saint

Although I'm writing this post before I go on retreat, by the grace of God and the goodness of His gift of technology, it is able to be automatically posted on Wednesday (I hope). Leave it to God to work outside of time! The retreat I am on is a silent retreat, so how appropriate it is to write a little about Joe as the silent saint.

In one of earlier posts, I made the point that although there are no directly attributed words of Joe in the Scriptures, we can infer that he did indeed speak one word: the Word => "Jesus." Those who know me well, know that I can talk a lot, and in this way, Joe has been a major challenge to me. How can I model the man who says little but speaks volumes?

The answer is quite simple: the name of Jesus. How little do we just say His Name? If you're like me, we usually say It in the context of larger prayers. Yet, His Name is a prayer in Itself. To say the Name is to pray, "Lord, save us from our sins!" (Matthew 1:21) Perhaps, the next time we're having a rough day and we just want to complain to God in prayer, let us imitate Joe who never ceased praying the most simple of all prayers: "Jesus!"

Finally, pray for me as I continue on retreat. Jesus!

First Rule of Engineering: Make Good Assumptions

Today, we celebrate the Assumption of Mary completely, body and soul, into heaven, but did you know that there has been a subtle tradition within the Church that Joe was assumed body and soul into heaven too? And these are no insignificant people, perhaps the most notable modern day attribution is St. John XXIII who in his homily for the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord said that "we can piously believe" that Joe was assumed into heaven (unfortunately, there is no official English translation, but if you speak either Italian or Spanish, here is a link to the homily).

But what are the basis of this belief? Most begin with the assumption (pun very much intended) that the Old Testament Joseph prefigures Joe. If we accept this, then we can look to the what happens to the Old Testament Joseph, and begin inferring.

1. Genesis 50:24-26
• Joseph died, but before he did he made his family promise to bury him in the Promised Land, when they would eventually leave Egypt. 
• and after he died, "He was embalmed and laid to rest in a coffin in Egypt."
• that is to say that his body was preserved from extreme corruption.
2. Exodus 13:19
• Moses brought the bones (or whole body if he was mummified) of Joseph out of Egypt into the desert.
3. Joshua 24:29-33
• Joshua died and was laid to rest in the Promised Land.
• Then Joseph's bones/mummy were laid to rest in the Promised Land.
• Finally, Eleazar died and was laid to rest in the Promised Land.

So how does this infer Joe's Assumption?

1. Egypt and the Promised Land have been repeatedly seen to signify Earth and Heaven. 
• So like Joseph, Joe died in the not-so-promised land, but his body was preserved from corruption.
2. Christ has been seen by many to have been prefigured by Moses, who does not die in the Promised Land but right outside it and is mysteriously buried (Deut. 24:5-6, Jude 1:9)
• He carries Joe's bones outside of Earth into the Limbo of the Just.
3. Just as Christ is prefigured by Moses, so He is also prefigured by Joshua, particularly after His Resurrection.
• After Joshua is laid to rest in the Promised Land (aka Jesus enters heaven), 
• Joseph is laid to rest (aka Joe enters heaven), 
• and finally Eleazar is laid to rest (aka Mary enters heaven) ***More on this point later!!!

This only scratches the surface of the believe that Joe is assumed body and soul in heaven, but I'm sure we will return sometime later!

Day 9 of Novena

Day 9 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grandpa Joe and Day 8 of Novena

Last Wednesday, I shared a part of a homily given by St. Alphonsus Liguori on St. Joseph where he argues that Joe was the true earthly father of Jesus by the grace of God the Father. I would now like to propose to you that a great way of seeing Joe is as a grandpa.

Think about it like this... 

• We often say that the Church is our Mother or "Holy Mother Church," which is in no way accidental. For it is the community of believers who gives birth to more believers by witnessing to the power of the Resurrection in their own lives. 
• Jesus is the bridegroom of the Church according to St. Paul (Eph. 5:23)
• So Jesus is our virginal Father through the Church
• Joe is the virginal father of Jesus through Mary
• So, Joe and Mary are our ecclesiastical grandparents!

I don't know about you but I had some pretty awesome grandpa's, and one thing was true about both of them: they liked to teach me things, and both liked to provide for me (especially food!). I had the undeserved privilege of working with both growing up. Each had his own business, so when I would go to work with either of them, lunch soon became the most important meal of the day.

I can't help but to think that the same is true with Grandpa Joe. I'm sure he loves to teach us how to work for the Lord, and he loves to feed us! All we need to do is to go to work with him. As pharaoh once told the Israelites, so now I tell you, “Go to Grandpa Joe and do whatever he tells you.” (Genesis 41:55)

Incidentally, if Joe is our grandpa, that means Mary is our grandma, and what grandma does not throughly enjoy spoiling her grandchildren?

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Day 8 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 7 of Novena

Day 7 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 6 of Novena

Day 6 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 5 of Novena

Day 5 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 4 of Novena

Day 4 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 3 of Novena

Day 3 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 2 of Novena

Day 2 of Novena to St. Joseph for the Chapel of Loretto:

O Holy St. Joseph listen to our cry and present them for us to our Heavenly Father. You built a staircase to a choir loft so that human choirs might imitate angelic choirs. We beg you now, inspired carpenter, to build a staircase to heaven for us and for all who do not know the way to paradise.
     We are all sinners and are lost on our journey; so, do not allow us to sit in judgment of those who seek intimate love with those of the same sex. Rather, may we look upon them with eyes filled with sorrow and compassion, and may they look upon us in our sinfulness with the same eyes.
     You did not build the staircase for the honor and glory of your name. So, teach us now to build for each other staircases to heaven for the honor and glory of the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen