A Man of Many Colors

I recently watched this video of Jordan Peterson speaking about the Old Testament Joseph and the significance of a “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). I particularly liked his use of this coat as an analogy for being good at whatever you do. As he pointed out, Joseph did well by the grace of God in everything he did—from being a son, brother, servant, prisoner, and even second-in-command of Egypt.

When I heard this analogy, I almost immediately thought of St Teresa of Avila’s experience (and mine) that Joe has been patronage in all matters: 

... I am astonished at the great favours which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul. 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 and that the Lord wishes to teach us that as He was Himself subject to him on earth (for, being His guardian and being called His father, he could command Him) just so in Heaven He still does all that he asks...

-Autobiography, Chapter 6 (page 52)

A Prayer for Purity

I recently came across this prayer for purity written by St Alphonsus Liguori and wanted to share:

Mary, Mother most pure, and Joseph, chaste guardian of the Virgin, to you I entrust the purity of my soul and body. I beg you to plead with God for me that I may never for the remainder of my life soil my soul by any sin of impurity. I earnestly wish to be pure in thought, word, and deed in imitation of your own holy purity. Obtain for me a deep sense of modesty, which will be reflected in my external conduct. Protect my eyes; the windows of my soul, from anything that might dim the luster of a heart that must mirror only Christ-like purity. And when the “Bread of Angels” becomes my food in Holy Communion, seal my heart forever against the suggestions of sinful pleasures. Finally, may I be among those of whom Jesus spoke, “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.” Amen.

Shema Yisrael

"Shema Yisrael!" 

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength." 

-Deut. 6:4-5

Joe would have prayed these words everyday as a devout Jewish man, and it would have been his duty to teach these words to Jesus. Hence this icon (the Shema is in Italian): 

I love this very short reflection by Fr Nicolas Buttet, in which he writes: "St. Joseph is the 'silent' doctor of this Nazarene school. He mastered the art of listening to the voice of God in reciting 'Shema Yisrael' ('Hear, O’ Israel') twice a day. So, his silence was actually an ability to listen and promptly obey."

The Seven Sorrows

Two days ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross—the feast of suffering being transformed into glory. Yesterday, we celebrated the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows—the memory that Mary participated in the sufferings of her Son and thus, entered into the glory of her Son.

It seems appropriate to me that today, we should perhaps reflect on Joe’s sorrows. Like Mary, tradition has enumerated seven sorrows (and accompanying joys) of Joe:

1. The Doubt of St Joseph => The Message of the Angel

2. The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth => The Birth of the Savior

3. The Circumcision => The Holy Name of Jesus

4. The Prophecy of Simeon => The Effects of the Redemption 

5. The Flight into Egypt => The Overthrow of the Idols of Egypt

6. The Return from Egypt => Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth 

7. The Loss of the Child Jesus => The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

There are a plethora of prayers that are based on this tradition. Here is one that I found to be helpful: http://osjusa.org/prayers/seven-sorrows-and-joys/ 

Saved from a Nail

I just came across this short article about a woman’s encounter with Joe, calling him “My Main Man”. I especially loved her closing words:

But I do know for sure that the saints are not far away and sometimes they really do get involved in our nitty-gritty matters, both big and small. And sometimes—even when we have not asked—their invisible heavenly fingerprints appear in the darndest places. I know Saint Joseph is not plastic, not by a longshot. This powerful guy with heavenly clout demonstrates over and over that he really does have my back. Not only does he help me navigate treacherous roads anytime I ask, but sometimes he extends his proactive care even when I haven’t a clue that I need it. 

Perhaps, he particularly loves helping us silently and in the background. Perhaps, he loves leaving for us those little gifts here and there that we really don't notice until one day, looking back, we recognize his presence. 

Joe and Mary of Magdala

Today, the Church celebrates the memory of St Mary Magdalene, the woman who first saw Jesus risen from the dead (Mark 16:9). Tradition tells us that Mary of Magdala went to France to bring the Gospel to the people there. 

Centuries later, not far from where she landed, Joe appeared to a shepherd. Today, there remains the Benedictine Monastery of Saint-Joseph du Bessillon at the site. Check out the story, and if you find yourself in Southern France, be sure to stop and pray.

Silence: from Isolation to Encounter

A couple weeks back, I came across an "e-retreat" offered by Archbishop Christopher Prowse entitled Silence: from Isolation to Encounter. When I started, my life seemed really "loud" and I felt the need to return once again to being silent with Joe. I really wasn't at all surprised to find that a stained-glass image of Joe was present there in the background of the first episode. He once again made a more quiet "appearance" in the final episode on Mary. 

As I went through the retreat (usually watching an episode about every other day), it began to become evident to me, that Joe is a model of moving from isolation to encounter in silence. I can only imagine how alone and isolated he must have felt when he was deciding to divorce Mary (Mt. 1:19), or how abandoned he must have felt when he had to flee his home country to a foreign land (Mt. 2:13), or how empty he must have felt when Jesus was nowhere to be found for three days (Lk. 2:48). In each of these occasions, Joe remains silent, and in this silence, he encounters God's Presence.

If you have time (and honestly, who actually doesn't have the time to devote 20 minutes every other evening), I encourage you to enter into this time of retreat. Whether you enter into one episode a day, or one every other day (or perhaps every two days), I don't think it will be a waste of time. Do not be afraid to enter the silence. God is waiting... go and meet him!

Joe’s Candles

Last Sunday, Catholic Churches celebrated the Feast of Pentecost and next Sunday the Orthodox Churches will do so. The image of fire always stands out to me when Pentecost comes around. Imagine one hundred and twenty people in a room with fire hanging over them. That truly must have been a sight! 

Yet, we know that while there was an external fire burning over them, there was a far longer lasting internal Fire burning within them. How true this must have been with Joe. How many times did he light a candle or a lamp to give light to the eyes? Yet, how brightly the Fire must have burned within him to give light to his heart! 

I am reminded of encountering online a group of Orthodox nuns who support themselves by making and selling beeswax candles, and they put their work under Joe’s patronage (link is below). I would recommend checking out their stock and consider buying a candle or two to assist your prayer—or perhaps to be prepared in case of an emergency. I’m sure Joe did both.

https://www.saintsmaryandmarthaorthodoxmonastery.org/candles.html

Will He look like me?

"What will He look like?" I'm sure this was a question that Joe must have asked himself over and over again during the final days of Mary's pregnancy with Jesus. The question, "Will He look like me?", probably caused Joe some anxiety too. "If He happens to look like me, will others think that He is my son? Will they not believe me when I say that Mary is still a virgin? How could I expect them to understand if I myself do not understand how all this is possible?"

Now, imagine... 

It is a little past midnight. Mary and Joe are in a cave with animals all around with all the smells and sounds this entails. The only light and heat they have is from a little twig fire that crackles just a few feet away. Mary has been experiencing contractions for the last several hours, and the time of delivery is here. Joe is the only other person she trusts and permits to assist her in delivering her Child, but he has never assisted in the delivery of a child - let alone this Child! With the temptation to fear that he will mess-up and cause the death of his wife and her Child pressing hard upon him, he cries out to the Father in a short but urgent prayer:

God, come to me quickly! 

You are my help and deliverer. 

Lord, do not delay!

-Psalm 70:6

Now Joe turns his full attention to his wife as he is in anguish in seeing his beloved wife suffer the pains of giving birth. The delivery happens, and before he knows it, he is holding this crying newborn king in his hands. Joe is the first to hold Him -he is the first to see His Face- and he is astonished to see that this little Boy looks just like him. He is stunned. He does not know what to say or think. He can only look upon this Child with love, and he begins to experience that weird mix of crying and laughing at the same time. 

He knows that this Child is not his by nature; instead, he knows that he has received this Child as a gift from God through Mary. Mary! He became so enraptured with this Child that he actually forgot about her! While all these thoughts and emotions are passing through Joe, Mary just laid there and looked with patient love upon her beloved husband and Son. Joe looks up at Mary, and with tear-filled eyes, he hands the Child to her. 

The Human Face of God is now seen! God is with us! Come, let us adore Him!

Christmas is Coming

Yesterday and today, we have heard the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew at Mass. Yesterday, the Gospel of Mass was the genealogy (Matt. 1:1-17), and today, the Gospel of Mass is the Annunciation of Joe (Matthew 1:18-25). These two readings begin the octave of preparation for Christmas each year. Why?

First, I think this is one way in which we recognize the real importance of Joe in the story of the Gospel. In God’s Province, he was the one through whom God would fulfill His promise to David to set on his throne a son who would rule forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13).

Second, this marks the beginning of the recreation of the world. Recall that the Book of Genesis begins with two stories of the “beginnings” (Genesis 1:1ff, and Genesis 2:4ff). The first is like a litany, and the second is like a narrative. Same with Matthew’s opening. As God chose to prepare the world for Adam in Genesis, so the Father chose to prepare Joe for Jesus in Matthew. As Adam was brought forth from the soil, so Jesus was brought forth from Joe. As Adam was to have dominion over the soil, so Jesus is to have dominion over Joe.

We are approaching Christmas, or rather, Christmas is approaching us. Like Joe, are we allowing ourselves to be prepared for Him who is to have dominion over us? In the midst of the busyness of preparing for the day, are we regularly resting like Joe in prayer and listening to the Voice of God speaking to us? Shhhh. Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation of the Word (John 1:1-14). Do you hear what I hear? Do you hear the Word spoken to you - within you?

Christmas is coming! Come, let us adore Him!

Joe and All the Saints

Last Friday, we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints. It never struck me before until this time, that  the final petition of the Intercessions of Vespers (the Evening Prayer of priests and religious of the Roman Rite) for this feast, included Joe right after Mary:

Bring all who have died into the company of heaven with Mary, Joseph and all Your saints, and give us also a place in the unending fellowship of Your kingdom.

As we continue in the month of November, when we particularly remember and pray for this who have died, I suggest that we pray this prayer each day. Before we know it, we’ll probably have it memorized.

Joe, Our Tax Collector

Last Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the first reading at Mass were taken from the last chapters of the Book of Genesis. We could easily call these chapters (37-50) 'The Book of Joseph' since it primarily tells the story of the Old Testament Joseph, the last of the great Old Testament Patriarchs.

On Wednesday, I was struck with the image of tax collectors. The Gospel of the day listed the names of the twelve Apostles and referred to Matthew as "the tax collector". Often tax collectors received and continue to receive a bad rapt for their work; however, we learn that the Old Testament Joseph was himself a tax collector--"he collected all the food of these years of plenty that the land of Egypt was enjoying and stored it in the cities" (Gen. 41:48). I know that I have often complained that the government takes too much of my income in taxes; however, one thing is true, they have never taken all of it (despite it feeling like it at times!). Yet, we could say that Joseph did; he collected all the food, not some, not most. How do you think that made the Egyptians feel during those seven years of plenty? Here is a foreigner, ex-slave, and accused sex-offender, demanding all of the produce of their hard earned labor. I would have been extremely upset. But Joseph, unlike so many of the tax-collectors in the New Testament, did not impose ridiculously high taxes for his own sake, but for the sake of others placed under his care by the "god"-man, Pharaoh.

We already know that the Old Testament Joseph prefigures Joe in many ways, so can we say that he prefigures Joe in this way as well? I think the answer is yes.

In my experience in prayer, has been that when I give to Joe any intention -whether in times of spiritual plenitude or famine- he has always taken it and made the situation better. In a way, Joe has become my heavenly tax collector. For the last year or so, I've begun adding to letters "All for Jesus. All through Mary. All with Joseph." This is exactly what the Old Testament Joseph did. He collected the grain with the Egyptian people. I encourage you, maybe I'll even say that I dare you, let Joe be your heavenly tax collector in times of plentitude and famine, whether spiritual or physical. You will not be disappointed! You will survive whatever famine may be coming your way. He has been appointed by the true God-man, Jesus Christ, to this office, and he will not let you die of starvation!

A New-Old Litany

I recently came across this old Litany of St. Joseph. It was published in a Carmelite prayer book published in 1846.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, spouse of St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Joseph, confirmed in grace, pray for us.
St. Joseph, guardian of the Word Incarnate, pray for us.
St. Joseph, favorite of the King of heaven, pray for us.
St. Joseph, ruler of the family of Jesus, pray for us.
St. Joseph, spouse of the ever-blessed virgin, pray for us.
St. Joseph, example of humility and obedience, pray for us.
St. Joseph, mirror of silence and resignation, pray for us.
St. Joseph, patron of innocence and youth, pray for us.
St. Joseph, exiled with Christ into Egypt, pray for us.
St. Joseph, intercessor for the afflicted, pray for us.
St. Joseph, advocate of the humble, pray for us.
St. Joseph, model of every virtue, pray for us.
St. Joseph, honored among men, pray for us.
St. Joseph, union of all Christian perfections, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
     spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
     graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
     have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O holy St. Joseph,
     that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray,
Holy St. Joseph, who is the good and faithful servant, to whom God committed the care of his family and to whom He appointed guardian and protector of the life of Jesus Christ, the comfort and support of His holy mother, and co-partner in His great design of the redemption of mankind.

You Who have the happiness of living with Jesus and Mary, and of dying in their arms; chaste spouse of the mother of God; model and patron of pure souls; humble, patient, and reserved; be moved with the confidence we place in your intercession, and accept with kindness this testimony of our devotion.

We give thanks to God for the signal favors He was pleased to confer on you, and we implore Him to make us imitate your virtues by your intercession.

Pray for us then, O great saint, and by that love, which you had for Jesus and Mary, and by the love which Jesus and Mary had for you, obtain for us the incomparable happiness of living and dying in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.

(I revised a bit of the final prayer to be more "modern English" so to say...)

Whatever you ask the Father in my name

In Terror of Demons, I shared a quote from St. Teresa of Avila's Autobiography in which she wrote that Joe had answered all of her petitions to God through him without fail. I can honestly say that this has largely been my experience too.

Just a couple days ago, I was struck by what Jesus said to his disciples, "Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you." (John 16:23) I've said many times already that Joe, as Jesus' earthly father, is the perfect icon of God the Father. If this is so, then it makes sense why he has been found to be a powerful intercessor in every case. I would go so far as to say that Jesus also says to us, "Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask Joseph in my name he will give you."

If you want to know the Father's Heart, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” (Gen. 41:55)

Preface of Roman Rite

Yesterday, April 9 marked the 100th anniversary of Pope Benedict XV's promulgation of the Preface of St. Joseph for the Roman Rite Liturgy, which has been kept in the Liturgy since. Here is the current official English translation:


It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
and on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph [or "and in honoring Saint Joseph"]
to give you fitting praise,
to glorify you and bless you.

For this just man was given by you
as spouse to the Virgin Mother of God
and set as a wise and faithful servant
in charge of your household
to watch like a father over your Only Begotten Son,
who was conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit,
our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through him the Angels praise your majesty,
Dominions adore and Powers tremble before you.
Heaven and the Virtues of heaven and the blessed Seraphim
worship together with exultation.
May our voices, we pray, join with theirs
in humble praise, as we acclaim:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts . . .

Solemnity of Joe

Today is the Solemnity of St. Joseph in the Roman Catholic Church. I encourage all of us to pray today (and every day!) the Litany of St. Joseph:


Lord, have mercy.
                Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
                Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
                Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.
                Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,
                have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
                have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
                have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
                have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,
                pray for us.
Holy Joseph,
                pray for us.

Renowned offspring of David,
                pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs,
                pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God,
                pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
                pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God,
                pray for us.
Diligent protector of Christ,
                pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family,
                pray for us.

Joseph most just,
                pray for us.
 Joseph most chaste,
                pray for us.
Joseph most prudent,
                pray for us.
Joseph most strong,
                pray for us.
Joseph most obedient,
                pray for us.
Joseph most faithful,
                pray for us.

Mirror of patience,
                pray for us.
Lover of poverty,
                pray for us.
Model of artisans,
                pray for us.
Glory of home life,
                pray for us.
Guardian of virgins,
                pray for us.
Pillar of families,
                pray for us.
Solace of the wretched,
                pray for us.
Hope of the sick,
                pray for us.
Patron of the dying,
                pray for us.
Terror of demons,
                pray for us.
Protector of Holy Church,
                pray for us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
                spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
                graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.
                have mercy on us

He made him the lord of his household.
                And prince over all his possession

Let us pray,
O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever. 
Amen!

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!

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