Day 15: November 20th
JOSEPH MOST JUST
Day 15 marks the beginning of several days under the virtuous titles of St. Joseph. These not only help us call to mind the significance of these virtues, but more importantly, seek the aid of St. Joseph.
Today, we enlist the aid of Joseph Most Just. To be just, means to act deliberately with diligence and purpose. It requires one to listen, consider facts and also look toward the effects of one’s actions. Justice does not come from rash or thoughtless actions and it requires a firm foundation. The foundation, of course, is to act in accordance with God’s law, which is ultimately to act for the salvation of others in loving as Christ loved us.
Most of the time, I believe that we think of acting justly more in accord with what another person does so that our reaction is one of justice. Remember that scripture describes St. Joseph as a just man when explaining his initial decision to leave Mary. But being Just is not only about condemnation of another. To be just first and foremost means that we act justly.
In justice, Joseph listened to the Angel Gabriel and was obedient to the Will of God. Acting justly keeps us from acting out of fear and judgment. It also demands mercy, kindness and self-sacrifice.
Our prayer for the day is an ancient prayer that the tradition claims comes from the 1st century. So it stands as long evidence of the Church's devotion to St. Joseph, and unites us with their prayers throughout centuries. It was later sent by Pope Julius II to Emperor Charles in the 16th century.
Today, we enlist the aid of Joseph Most Just. To be just, means to act deliberately with diligence and purpose. It requires one to listen, consider facts and also look toward the effects of one’s actions. Justice does not come from rash or thoughtless actions and it requires a firm foundation. The foundation, of course, is to act in accordance with God’s law, which is ultimately to act for the salvation of others in loving as Christ loved us.
Most of the time, I believe that we think of acting justly more in accord with what another person does so that our reaction is one of justice. Remember that scripture describes St. Joseph as a just man when explaining his initial decision to leave Mary. But being Just is not only about condemnation of another. To be just first and foremost means that we act justly.
In justice, Joseph listened to the Angel Gabriel and was obedient to the Will of God. Acting justly keeps us from acting out of fear and judgment. It also demands mercy, kindness and self-sacrifice.
Our prayer for the day is an ancient prayer that the tradition claims comes from the 1st century. So it stands as long evidence of the Church's devotion to St. Joseph, and unites us with their prayers throughout centuries. It was later sent by Pope Julius II to Emperor Charles in the 16th century.
LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ graciously hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world . . .
God the Holy Spirit . . .
Holy Trinity, One God . . .
Holy Mary. Pray for us.
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 afflicted . . .
Hope of the sick . . .
Patron of the dying . . .
Terror of demons . . .
Protector of Holy Church . . .
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
℣. He made him the lord of his household.
℟. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray: O God, Who in Your ineffable providence deigned to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother; grant, we beg You, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom we venerate on earth as our Protector; You who live and reign forever, unto the ages of ages.
--AMEN
AN ANCIENT PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH (from the 1st Century)
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires.
O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.
St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.
--AMEN
**This prayer was found in the 50th year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them—neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy or be burned by any fire or be overpowered in battle.
Say this prayer for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail. (Although unverified, this explanation frequently accompanies the prayer, testifying to its authenticity.)
ACT OF CONSECRATION
My Father and my Guardian, I give myself entirely to you, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, O good Father, since I am your own, keep me and guard me as your property and possession.
--AMEN
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ graciously hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world . . .
God the Holy Spirit . . .
Holy Trinity, One God . . .
Holy Mary. Pray for us.
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 afflicted . . .
Hope of the sick . . .
Patron of the dying . . .
Terror of demons . . .
Protector of Holy Church . . .
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
℣. He made him the lord of his household.
℟. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray: O God, Who in Your ineffable providence deigned to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother; grant, we beg You, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom we venerate on earth as our Protector; You who live and reign forever, unto the ages of ages.
--AMEN
AN ANCIENT PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH (from the 1st Century)
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires.
O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.
St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.
--AMEN
**This prayer was found in the 50th year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them—neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy or be burned by any fire or be overpowered in battle.
Say this prayer for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail. (Although unverified, this explanation frequently accompanies the prayer, testifying to its authenticity.)
ACT OF CONSECRATION
My Father and my Guardian, I give myself entirely to you, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, O good Father, since I am your own, keep me and guard me as your property and possession.
--AMEN