Tuesday of the Fifth Week

Feast of Saint Joseph

Reflection

We celebrate today the solemnity of Saint Joseph, humble carpenter and “righteous man” who was called to be the foster father of the Son of God. With the holiest week of the liturgical year almost upon us, Joseph serves as a wonderful example of faithfulness and persistence through difficult trials.

 

In today’s readings and psalm response, we are reminded of God’s covenant with Abraham and David and their descendants to establish his kingdom to “endure forever” and his throne “for all generations,” eventually fulfilled in the coming of our Lord and Savior. As the Gospel acclamation summarizes, Abraham, David and their successors (including us!) are among those blessed to “dwell in the house of the Lord” and to “never cease to praise” Him.

 

Joseph does not appear much in Scripture, yet in today’s Gospel reading we are reminded of his trust in the angel of the Lord and guardianship of the Holy Family, and in fact all families, all those in need, and the entire Universal Church. Although not aware of the details of God’s master plan, Joseph took Mary into his home and helped raise and serve as a model for Jesus. We too face times when it is challenging to perceive our role in God’s plan, and through Saint Joseph’s intercession, may we better discern our calling and grow in faithfulness and patience. These are just two of Saint Joseph’s virtues which are worth striving for every day and which are highlighted in his Litany, providing one beautiful way to seek his intercession.

 

Prayer — Taken from the Litany of Saint Joseph (approved by St. Pius X):

Saint Joseph, Noble son of the House of David, Light of Patriarchs, Husband of the Mother of God, Guardian of the Virgin, Foster father of the Son of God, Faithful guardian of Christ, Head of the Holy Family, Joseph most just, Joseph most chaste, Joseph most prudent, Joseph most strong, Joseph most obedient, Joseph most faithful, Mirror of patience, Lover of poverty, Model of workers, Glory of home life, Guardian of virgins, Pillar of families, Comfort of the troubled, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, Terror of evil spirits, Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us!

 

George Ashline, Professor of Mathematics

 

Scripture

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29

Second Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a

 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website