St Joseph, Our Model

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'…When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus." 1

Guide me, St Joseph

The Virgin came to be your spouse:
The Word made Flesh within her womb.
You took your bride into your house:
The world aside -- your heart made room.

You held the Prince safe in your arm,
Sheltered from all worry and fright;
When selfish king would do him harm,
You sought refuge in desert night.

You worked with Jesus at your side:
Your daily bread at Nazareth.
Within your care He did abide,
'Til He went forth after your death.

St Joseph, guide me to the light:
To hold the Son close in my heart;
To flee the self in the dark night;
To be the Son's faithful steward.


(c) Paul Buis, 2000

image (c) Tricia Of The Sacred Wounds Of Jesus, 2008

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1. Matthew 1:18-21,24-25