| "Let us beset the just one, because he is
obnoxious to us." (Wisdom 2:12)
Reflection.
There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being.
Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty
vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill
the task at hand.
This general rule is especially verified in the case of Saint Joseph, the foster-father of
our Lord, and the husband of the Queen of our world, enthroned above the angels. He was
chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest
treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph's wife. He carried out this vocation
with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying "Good and faithful
servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."
Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster child. Ask your most holy
bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of Him who with
the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. ....Saint Bernardine
of Siena
Lenten Fact
Since Lent is a penitential season of preparation for Easter, the Stations of
the Cross, which follow the path of Christ from Pontius Pilate's praetorium to Christ's
tomb have been a popular devotion in parishes. In the 16th century, this pathway was
officially entitled the "Via Dolorosa" (Sorrowful Way) or simply Way of the
Cross or Stations of the Cross.
Lenten Action.
Think about St. Joseph's role in salvation history. Think about what God might
be asking of you.
Prayer
O Great Saint Joseph, you were completely obedient to the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. Obtain for me the grace to know the state of life that God in his providence has
chosen for me. Since my happiness on earth, and perhaps even my final happiness in heaven,
depends on this choice, let me not be deceived in making it.
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