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February 7th: Joseph at Nazareth
No mortal man ever had a post of such responsibility
as St. Joseph. To his care was entrusted a
treasure of infinite value. He had to provide for
the safety and welfare of God Himself. Yet St.
Joseph never quailed, never was down-hearted
under the task that he had to perform. How was
this? It was because he knew well that God never
gives to anyone a charge, without at the same time
giving the graces necessary for the performance of
it. This relieved him of all fruitless anxiety. So
also it should console me, if I am tempted to lose
heart and be cast down under my responsibilities. What were the graces that were specially necessary to St. Joseph as the foster-father of Jesus? Every possible grace. Every virtue must have been found in him in an heroic degree; the absence of any one of them would have rendered him quite unfitted for his task. So to me Jesus commits Himself in Holy Communion. How far can I find in myself this qualification of the possession of every virtue? Alas! how many are almost or wholly absent! Yet one virtue was more necessary, if possible, than any of the rest. Prudence was the first qualification of St. Joseph's office. He was above all a faithful and prudent servant. Without this the Divine Son of God would never have been committed to his care. In me, alas, prudence is a virtue that is sadly wanting. How imprudent are my words, how impulsive and often ill-judged are my actions!
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |