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When you think of your role in your personal family, how do you see yourself? When you think of your role in the family of the Church, how do you see yourself?
“Ite ad Ioseph, Go to Joseph.”
St. Joseph was many things to his family. He was a husband, father, protector, teacher, and prayer for Jesus and Mary. Above all, St. Joseph was primarily a servant of God. Joseph teaches us that if we want to fulfill our vocation and family responsibilities, we must turn to God for guidance, inspiration, and all the graces and virtues we need. When we look at Joseph’s life, we see how he is a pillar of the family. A “pillar” is reliable, strong, and capable of providing essential support. Perhaps we may at times feel like we are incapable of providing the correct support, or we feel that we are too weak to be the support our families may need. In those times, we need to especially pray and seek God’s strength. He will give us all we need to be who we are in, and for our families. St. Joseph teaches us that even though we may not be perfect, God gives us the graces to fulfill our vocations. Go to Joseph this day, praying for ourselves and our families.
Prayer:
O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, and to work with gratitude, joy, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties. Help me to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self.
Be with those who are unemployed and underemployed that they will always know your care. Grant that those who seek work may quickly find it. Protect and care for me and my loved ones in our daily life and work, just as you did for the Holy Family. Intercede for me and obtain for me the graces and favors I ask this day. (Here mention your particular intention.) Amen.