Solemnity of Saint Joseph,
Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."
Collect:
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that by Saint Joseph’s intercession
your Church may constantly watch over
the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation,
whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.The Readings:
2 Samuel 7:4-5a; 12-14a; 16; Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24aDaily Meditation:
Joseph took her into his home.Just a few days before the Annunciation, we turn to Joseph,
in his role as "husband of Mary."
Joseph can help us with our Lenten journey.
He did what the Lord asked him to do.
He became a servant who could not have fully understood God's ways.When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.Intercessions
All fatherhood in heaven and on earth has its origin in God.
Let us turn to him and pray:Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
All-holy Father, you revealed to St. Joseph
your eternal plan of salvation in Christ,
- deepen our understanding of your Son, true God and true man.
Father in heaven, you feed the birds of the air
and clothe the fields with the fruit of the earth,
- give all your children their daily bread
to sustain soul and body.
Maker of the universe, you have entrusted your creation to our safekeeping,
- may all who work receive a just reward for their labors.
God of all righteousness, you want us all to be like you,
- May St. Joseph inspire us all to walk always in your way of holiness.
Look kindly on the dying and dead, and grant them your mercy,
- through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.Closing Prayer:
God of Love,
Joseph was the husband of Mary,
and you entrusted Jesus to his care.
I am inspired by his fidelity and integrity
as your self-sacrificing servant.
Allow Joseph to offer strength, courage,
fidelity and tender self-less love
to all husbands.
Let this holy family renew in me
the desire to be your servant,
faithful in the vocation you have given me.May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
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