DAY 8: SEVEN (7) SORROWS AND JOYS OF SAINT JOSEPH // REFLECTION ON SAINT JOSEPH

1. Leader: Chaste Lover of Mary, how overwhelmed you were when you thought that you would have to end your betrothal to her. But when the angel of God came to you in a dream, you were filled with awe to realize that Mary would be your wife, and you would be the guardian of the Messiah.

All: Help us, St. Joseph, help our families and all our loved ones to overcome all sadness of heart and develop an absolute trust in God’s goodness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

2. Leader: Faithful guardian of Jesus, what a failure you thought you were when you could only provide a stable for the birth of the Holy Child. And then what a wonder it was when shepherds came to tell of angel choirs, and wise men came to adore the King of Kings.

All: Through your example and prayers, help us St. Joseph and all we love to become like sinless mangers where the Savior of the world may be received with absolute love and respect.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

3. Leader: Tender-hearted Joseph, you too felt pain when the blood of Jesus was first shed at His circumcision. Yet how proud you were to be the one privileged to give the name Jesus, Savior, to the very Son of God.

All: Pray for us St. Joseph, that the sacred blood of Christ, poured out for our salvation, may guard our families, so the Divine Name of Jesus may be written in our hearts forever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

4. Leader: Joseph, loving husband, how bewildered you were when Simeon spoke the words of warning that the hearts of Jesus and Mary would be pierced with sorrows. Yet his prediction that this would lead to the salvation of innumerable souls filled you with consolation.

All: Help us, St. Joseph, to see with eyes of faith that even the sorrows and pains of those we deeply love can become the pathway to salvation and eternal life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

5. Leader: Courageous protector of the Holy Family, how terrified you were when you had to make the sudden flight with Jesus and Mary to escape the treachery of King Herod and the cruelty of his soldiers. But when you reached Egypt, what satisfaction you had to know that the Savior of the world had come to replace the pagan idols.

All: Teach us by your example, St. Joseph, to keep far from the false idols of earthly attractions, so that like you, we may be entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

6. Leader: Ever-obedient Joseph, you trustingly returned to Nazareth at God’s command, in spite of your fear that King Herod’s son might still be a threat to Jesus’ life. Then what fatherly pride you had in seeing Jesus grow in wisdom and grace before God and men under your care.

All: Show us, St. Joseph, how to be free from all useless fear and worry, so we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, living safely with Jesus and Mary in our hearts.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

7. Leader: Dependable father and husband, how frantic you and Mary were when, through no fault of yours, you searched for three days to find Jesus. What incredible relief was yours when you found Him safe in the Temple of God.

All: Help us, St. Joseph, never to lose Jesus through the fault of our own sins. But if we should lose Him, lead us back with unwearied sorrow, until we find Him again; so that we, like you, may finally pass from this life, dying safely in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Leader: Pray for us, o holy Joseph.

All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Leader: Let us pray.

All: O blessed St. Joseph, tenderhearted father, faithful guardian of Jesus, chaste spouse of the Mother of God, I pray and beseech you to offer to God the Father my praise to Him through his divine Son, who died on the cross and rose again to give us sinners new life. Through the holy name of Jesus, pray with us that we may obtain from the eternal Father, the favour we ask . . . (make your request) . . . We have been unfaithful to the unfailing love of God the Father; beg of Jesus mercy for us. Amid the splendours of God’s loving presence, do not forget the sorrows of those who suffer, those who pray, those who weep. By your prayers and those of your most holy spouse, our Blessed Lady, may the love of Jesus answer our call of confident hope. Amen.

DAY 8 REFLECTION: “SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF WORKERS FOR OUR TIME”

May 1 is a national holiday that commemorates “Workers’ day,” a day which the Church points us to Saint Joseph, a diligent example and model of workers. Put differently, as a way of promoting and encouraging devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, and in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955. In his declaration, Pope Pius XII said of St. Joseph, “The spirit flows to you and to all men from the heart of the God-man, Saviour of the world, but certainly, no worker was evermore completely and profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work.”

Saint Joseph, who in the Bible is recognized as a just man, is the one who reveals with his own life that God the Father works, and through Him, work is sanctified. Unfortunately, most Christians, have a distorted view on the subject of work, and therefore, do everything to get rid of it. Sanctifying our work is the mission of all Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us: “The sign of man’s familiarity with God is that God places him in the garden. There he lives ‘to till it and keep it.’ Work is not yet a burden, but rather the collaboration of man and woman with God in perfecting the visible creation.” (CCC #378). This is so because right from the Book of Genesis, the dignity of human work has long been contemplated as a participation in the creative work of God. By work, humankind both fulfils the command found in Genesis to care for the earth (Gen. 2:15) and to be productive in their labours. Saint Joseph, the carpenter and father of Jesus, is but one example of the sanctity of human labour. Thus, we can say that work is a path of sanctification in which men must adhere in order to contribute to the growth of the society; for it is part of the cultural evolution of man, throughout history. Little wonder Saint Paul exhorts: “Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as done for the Lord and not for human beings, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ the Lord that you are serving.” (Col 3, 23-24)

Sadly, we face many difficulties within the context of work in the society today: unemployment, injustice, slavery, dehumanization and laws that do not benefit workers. Even living in a materialistic society, which divides people by the type of work they do and which values ​​the human being for what he receives, the Church wants us to remember the dignity of work by setting St. Joseph as an example of one who laboured diligently for the good of his family and society. Jesus, too, was a carpenter (Mk. 6:3). He learned the trade from his father, Saint Joseph and spent his early adult years working side-by-side in Joseph’s carpentry shop before the commencement of his ministry. Pope John Paul II in his Encyclical, “Laborem Exercens” writes: “The Church considers it her duty to speak out on work from the viewpoint of its human value and of the moral order to which it belongs, and she sees this as one of her important tasks within the service that she renders to the evangelical message as a whole. At the same time, she sees it as her particular duty to form a spirituality of work which will help all people to come closer, through work, to God, the Creator and Redeemer, to participate in his salvific plan for man and the world and to deepen their friendship with Christ in their lives by accepting, through faith, a living participation in his threefold mission as Priest, Prophet and King, as the Second Vatican Council so eloquently teaches.”

Faced with a colossal problem of unemployment on the backdrop of corruption in a country like ours, the Church continues to speak truth to power and calls the faithful to continually place their trust in God in prayers and use their God-given talents to be inventive, rooting out all forms of laziness, while waiting for justice as everyone collaborates to vote for God-fearing and honest leaders in government who would create more employment opportunities.

Therefore, let us try to discover today and always, continuously, the presence of Saint Joseph in our families and society; and he will continue to be, as he always has been, our protector and model. May he also remind us to diligently treat those who work under our care and not dehumanize them or use them as though they were machines. May Saint Joseph continually intercede for all workers, for those receiving unjust wages or salaries, for those awaiting promotion at their places of work, for retirees with unworthy income, for those who live in the instability of the informal economy, for those who live without even a home, and most especially all the unemployed and those who are out of work, looking up to God for justice in an imbalanced and corrupt society like ours. Above all, as St. Joseph worked diligently, humbly, and silently in his carpentry shop to provide for the Holy Family, we, too, are called to work in humility and diligence for the greater glory of God.

Prayer: God our Father and creator of all things, You willed that man should participate in Your creative works, grant that following the examples of Joseph the worker, and through his prayers and intercessions, we may work diligently and obtain the just reward of our labours, and that the unemployed be gainfully employed in order to care for their families and those in need. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

👏🏼👏🏼 Great job praying Day 8! Click here for Day 9 Prayer👏🏼👏🏼

Shalom!
© By Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora da Immaculada Conceição, Paulo Ramos, Maranhão, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
___________________________________
PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?

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Chinaka Justin Mbaeri

A staunch Roman Catholic and an Apologist of the Christian faith. More about him here.

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Colette
Colette
3 years ago

O dearest Saint Joseph show us how to be free from all useless fear and worry, so we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, living safely with Jesus and Mary in our hearts. Amen

Jenny Nwatu
Jenny Nwatu
3 years ago

St. Joseph , pray for us

Nneka
Nneka
3 years ago

St Joseph pray for us Amen

Adaeze
Adaeze
3 years ago

St. Joseph the worker, please intercede for us that we may be blessed with good jobs and and blessings of the works of our hands. Amen

Michael Umande
Michael Umande
3 years ago

Thank you Padre for this heart touching reflection

Adaeze
Adaeze
2 years ago

Dear St. Joseph, Patron of workers, please intercede for us. Amen.

Emeka Odugu
Emeka Odugu
2 years ago

St Joseph The Worker, pray for us

Ifeyinwa
Ifeyinwa
1 year ago

St. Joseph, intercede for my loved ones and family who are unemployed/ underemployed. Grant us the strength to continually trust in you & the wherewithal to prove ourselves faithful to God, man, potential employer. Grany our prayer o’ Lord

Udeolisa nkeiruka
Udeolisa nkeiruka
1 year ago

St Joseph Forster father of jesus and husband of our mother Mary plaese intercede for us and our country Nigeria let there be paece and justice and good governance Amen

Victoria Agbonyeme
Victoria Agbonyeme
1 year ago

St. Joesph show us to be free from useless worries in our life, But to let
God take charge over our & all that we do .

Adaeze
Adaeze
1 year ago

Pray for us, o holy Joseph.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen

Priscilla Ugbir
Priscilla Ugbir
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for us

Ayo-Ogbor Augustina
Ayo-Ogbor Augustina
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for us Amen

Monica
Monica
1 year ago

St Joseph the worker, pray for us ameeeeen

Emeka Alu
Emeka Alu
1 year ago

Amen.

Roselyn Demawa
Roselyn Demawa
1 year ago

St. Joseph pray for us. Intercede for our children who are out of school to secure jobs.

Bridget ighodalo
Bridget ighodalo
1 year ago

Thank you Jesus for grace Amen

Lawrence Okonofua
Lawrence Okonofua
1 year ago

St. Joseph pray for workers especially those whose employers are unwilling or unable to pay their earned salaries.
Pray for Osi and Bimbo.
We commit our Nation Nigeria to your special intercession at the Throne of Mercy.

Stella Ogbakpah
Stella Ogbakpah
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for us, especially workers, who have been treated badly in their place of work and the Unemployed. Amen.

Leticia Otomewo
Leticia Otomewo
1 year ago

St Joseph… please Pray for SETPlc, LEMARVIN and My Husband’s Car biz for breakthrough, Progress, Success and financial stability, Amen!

Ngosoo Perpetua Chia
Ngosoo Perpetua Chia
1 year ago

Saint Joseph Pray for us Amen

Markus dauda
Markus dauda
1 year ago

My dearest St Joseph prayer for our country Nigeria

Akujieze Mary-Ann
Akujieze Mary-Ann
1 year ago

Amen and Amen

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago

St. Joseph patron of our families, pray for us

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago

St. Joseph, bless me the skills, wisdom and strength to achieve great success in my career and present job. Bless the work of my hands. Amen

Chinwe Ibe
Chinwe Ibe
1 year ago

Amen

Emilia
Emilia
1 year ago

Amen

Faustykelly
Faustykelly
1 year ago

St Joseph model of workers, pray for me

Margaret
Margaret
1 year ago

Amen

Comfort Edewor
Comfort Edewor
1 year ago

St Joseph, shield each one of us by your constant protection

Mojisola
Mojisola
1 year ago

Amen

Linda John Ojeyokan
Linda John Ojeyokan
1 year ago

Amen

Grace Orpin
Grace Orpin
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for us

Felicity
Felicity
1 year ago

Amen

Lilian Uzoamaka Anyanwu
Lilian Uzoamaka Anyanwu
1 year ago

Saint Joseph pray for us

Nwabude Nwamaka
Nwabude Nwamaka
1 year ago

St Joseph, pray for us.

Regina Ikpeni
Regina Ikpeni
1 year ago

St Joseph the worker pray for us. Amen

Njideka ihionu
Njideka ihionu
1 year ago

Sr Joseph patron of the workers please deploy my son Oliverjude ihionu
Give good husbands to my daughters queen and zaram
May my works be recognized in my office
Bless my husband and my children
Bless the works of my hands
Console chika and precious
Remove excess sugar from my blood
Good health and mind and soul
Grant gifts of the holy spirit to my daughters and sons.
Amen

Okpalike-Onyebueke Chiamaka Rose-Rita
Okpalike-Onyebueke Chiamaka Rose-Rita
1 year ago

Help us, St. Joseph, help our families and all our loved ones to overcome all sadness of heart and develop an absolute trust in God’s goodness.

Uchenna Aham-Anyanwu
Uchenna Aham-Anyanwu
1 year ago

St. Joseph pray Us

Abuo Felicia Effah
Abuo Felicia Effah
1 year ago

God be merciful to all families going through tough times. Amen

Vivian Oyih
Vivian Oyih
1 year ago

St. Joseph, Pray for us Amen

Emeka Odugu
Emeka Odugu
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for us

Igbenije Patience
Igbenije Patience
1 year ago

St Joseph
Pray For Us

Angela Usoh
Angela Usoh
1 year ago

Amen

Miriam Chigbu
Miriam Chigbu
1 year ago

St Joseph, Pray for me, my husband and my children. Amen

Kuyoro Paul
Kuyoro Paul
1 year ago

may the love of Jesus answer our call of confident hope. Amen.

Rosemary
Rosemary
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for the unemployed and the underemployed, including those with jobs and careers but financially down that they may recieve from God the help they need to meet ends, Amen

Dorothy Abaver
Dorothy Abaver
1 year ago

St Joseph pray for me to eat from my laboured hand amen

Clement
Clement
1 year ago

Amen.

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