Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His Saints (Psalm cxv. 15)
For nigh thirty years Joseph had been the
faithful spouse of Mary, the gentle foster-father
of Jesus. But now the time came for him to die.
How tenderly Mary nursed him in his failing
strength! how she delighted in supplying all his
wants, in ministering to them during the day, in
watching by his side during the night. What a
model to us who often grow weary with the long
sickness of some invalid whom we are tending!
St. Joseph's was the pattern and model of a
happy death. What joy to die in the arms of
Jesus and Mary, to be consoled by the Queen of
Heaven! to receive the last blessing from God Incarnate! No wonder that he is the patron of a
happy death, since from the beginning of the
world there was none whose death was surrounded
with such glorious privileges and blessings as his.
How had Joseph secured so happy a death?
(a) By waiting for God's guidance in all his
actions and promptly following it.
(b) By his devotion to Mary and to Jesus.
(c) By his patience, meekness, prudence, gentleness, purity.
Do I fulfill these requirements, so that when I
come to die the prince of darkness may find no
offence in me?
Grant me mercy in that day,
Help me, Mary, my sweet Mother;
Holy Joseph, near me stay!