Monday, March 19, 2007

feast of saint joseph

A remarkable painting by El Greco. He manages to capture the tender relationship between Joseph and Jesus, as well as Joseph's role as protector. Seeming to pass between the present, past and future, Jesus points the way and Joseph embraces that.

There is an old prayer to Saint Joseph that nicely fits with this painting and today's feast:

Oh, Saint Joseph,whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

Oh, Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers.

Oh, Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying
breath.

Saint Joseph, Patron of departed souls – pray for me. Amen
.





Wikipedia says of this prayer:


It is said this prayer was found in 50 A. D. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope
to Emperor Charles as he was going to battle. The faithful believe that whoever reads, hears or carries this prayer will never die a sudden death, be drowned or have poison take effect on them. They will also not be captured by the enemy, be burned by fire or defeated in battle.Lastly, it is believed to help those with general problems in need of help.


I'm not quite so sure it's prudent to believe in the more superstitious elements of praying this prayer. However, it is a great prayer to meditate upon the relationship of Saint Joseph and Jesus, which certainly can only help our conversations with either be more fruitful.

Happy Feast of Saint Joseph!

4 comments:

Gwenhwyfar said...

Hey Lady,
Anne Rice's book Christ the Lord Out of Egypt is a beautiful written book which highlights Joseph's role as Earthly father and protector, not only of Jesus but the entire clan.
8-)

The Rev. Nicole Regina Hanley said...

It is one of those books that makes my skin crawl, with her arrogantly written "scholarly" note at the back. But, it is a great book for discussion.

Unknown said...

I think your last paragraph says it all. And by the way it does work!

Anonymous said...

People should read this.