Reflect
Pope Francis has declared 2021 the “Year of St. Joseph,” asking us to get to know this “father in the shadows” more intimately. Have you ever looked closely at Joseph before?
Pray
St. Joseph,
I admit I’ve always
kept you blurred,
on the periphery,
though you have been there
all along,
your strong arms
wrapped around Mary and Jesus,
completing the circle
of the most Holy Family.
I see you more clearly now,
how you loved
with “extraordinary freedom”
how you always
brought such courage
to the challenges
of your life.
St. Joseph, I turn to you now
knowing you deeply understand
I too need patience,
humility and grace.
Like you, these are the gifts
I long to bring
to my family.
Act
Do you have images of the Holy Family in art, a crèche, or prayer cards? Look more closely at St. Joseph’s “hidden presence” today, and invite him into your heart.
