Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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Isaiah, Chapter 40, verse 9:
9 Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of good news!  Cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news!  Cry out, do not fear!  Say to the cities of Judah:  Here is your God!

Today would be a good day to sing Christmas Carols and if you can go as a group onto a high mountain and sing your hearts out.  It has been said that singing is praying twice. 

The season of advent is all about recognizing that our God has come as a gentle child on Christmas day and his delight is in us.  One of my favorite representations of the Lords delight with us is a statue of Joseph and the baby Jesus.  Jesus and Joseph are playing.  Joseph is slightly bent with the baby Jesus giggling crawling over the back of Joseph and peeking over his shoulder looking at his face in peek a boo fashion and delight is all over both of their faces.  How can we fear when we have a God who loves us so! 

In times of tribulation when we feel courage being drained from our souls let us remember the courage of blessed Saint Joseph reflecting on his courage, strength and of course gentleness with our Lord Jesus.  In times of trouble let us call on the aid of St. Joseph reflecting on this portion of the litany of Saint Joseph[1]. 

”St. Joseph, Renowned offspring of David, Light of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Foster father of the Son of God, Diligent protector 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 artisans, Glory of home life, Guardian of virgins, Pillar of families, Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, Terror of demons, Protector of Holy Church.  Pray for Us!”




[1] https://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/litanies/joseph.htm

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