2 SAMUEL 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; PSALM 88; ROMANS 4:13, 16-18, 22; MATTHEW 1:16, 18-21, 24
In the first reading God told David that his throne will stand secure forever. Psalm 89 reechoes “His dynasty shall last forever.” This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ as we have it in the Gospel reading. All that God promised David was fulfilled. Beloved, God keeps his promises. Though we are unfaithful he is always faithful. Therefore, let us approach him in faith and trust.
Today the Church celebrates the solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary. Joseph was a man of faith and trust. He followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit and delivered his part in the great plan for the salvation of the world. No doubt prayers and devotions are important to honor St. Joseph on a day like this; but it is more important to imitate his life and examples. From St. Joseph we can learn to listen to the Holy Spirit; express true devotion to Mary; sincere commitment to Jesus and his divine purpose and finally, we can also learn to harmonize the virtue of prayer and labour.
LET US PRAY (PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our afflictions, 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.
