Day 22: November 27th
MIRROR OF PATIENCE
St. Joseph not only understood, but accepted that all things will come in their time. Patience primarily relies on the virtues of faith, perseverance, knowledge and strength to help us remain unmoved by waiting and uncertainty. It is also one of the virtues that is greatly effected by pride because our impatience often comes from a belief that we either know best what should happen and when, or that we should be capable of making our will reality. But when we rest on the strength, promises and faith of the Lord; when we take His yoke upon our shoulders, then patience becomes much easier.
And here, opens the beauty of St. Joseph as the Mirror of Patience. If this seems like an odd title, take a moment to recall what a mirror does. A mirror is not the source of an image. Joseph is not the Fountain of Patience, or even Exemplar of Patience, but he is a Mirror. Patience is not something to be possessed like we may possess strength. Rather, it is a reflection of the Peace of Christ, much like the moon reflects the light of the sun. St. Joseph found his patience through Mary, as he waited for the birth of Jesus; He drew patience from the child Jesus because he knew and had faith in who His true Father was; and he drew patience from God in believing the words of the Angels and the promise of Salvation that he did not live to see.
May the Mirror of Patience also shine upon us in our moments of frustration, despair and doubt.
And here, opens the beauty of St. Joseph as the Mirror of Patience. If this seems like an odd title, take a moment to recall what a mirror does. A mirror is not the source of an image. Joseph is not the Fountain of Patience, or even Exemplar of Patience, but he is a Mirror. Patience is not something to be possessed like we may possess strength. Rather, it is a reflection of the Peace of Christ, much like the moon reflects the light of the sun. St. Joseph found his patience through Mary, as he waited for the birth of Jesus; He drew patience from the child Jesus because he knew and had faith in who His true Father was; and he drew patience from God in believing the words of the Angels and the promise of Salvation that he did not live to see.
May the Mirror of Patience also shine upon us in our moments of frustration, despair and doubt.
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
CARMELITE MEMORARE TO ST. JOSEPH
Remember, O most illustrious Patriarch St. Joseph, on the testimony of St. Teresa, thy devoted client, that never has it been heard that anyone invoked thy protection or sought thy mediation who has not obtained relief. In this confidence I come before thee, my loving protector, chaste spouse of Mary, foster father of the Saviour of men and dispenser of the treasures of His Sacred Heart. Despise not my earnest prayer, but graciously hear and obtain my petition.
--AMEN
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
CARMELITE MEMORARE TO ST. JOSEPH
Remember, O most illustrious Patriarch St. Joseph, on the testimony of St. Teresa, thy devoted client, that never has it been heard that anyone invoked thy protection or sought thy mediation who has not obtained relief. In this confidence I come before thee, my loving protector, chaste spouse of Mary, foster father of the Saviour of men and dispenser of the treasures of His Sacred Heart. Despise not my earnest prayer, but graciously hear and obtain my petition.
--AMEN
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