30th Meditation.
"Is
not this the carpenter's Son?"
-Saint Matthew xiii. 55.
"Is not this the carpenter?"
-Saint Mark vi. 3..
"Is
not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?"
-Saint
John vi. 42.
These appellations meet with
no objections on the part of Jesus. Enough has been said by Him to show that
God is His real Father; but Joseph, being His Heavenly Father's representative,
Spouse of Mary and head of the Family,
Jesus acknowledges him as His adopted father. He heeds not being called the
carpenter's son; there is nothing in that to humiliate or give offence. Joseph
is no man for whom to blush.
These words, the last mention
of Saint Joseph in the Gospel, show forth his most glorious title, his
greatness, and his virtue. His greatness, for he fills the office of father to
Jesus; his virtue, for he is worthy of this dignity, and Jesus is content to
pass as Joseph's son.
Remain in the sphere in which
Providence has placed you. Follow the example of Joseph. The glory of Jesus
shines forth the brighter for Joseph's humility. Had our Lord's adopted father
been a man of learning and position, we should have marvelled the less at the
wondrous words that proceeded from his lips.
God's share in our actions is
but rendered the more conspicuous by the lowliness of our position and the
mediocrity of our talents. But, as with Joseph, so with us; and though we are
but the instrument, and to God is due all the glory, some portion of it will be
reflected on us.
Watchword. Fulfil the duties
of your state, and by so doing you will glorify God.
30. Saint Joseph and the
Papal Zouave.
Joseph le Saige de la
Villebrune, lieutenant in the Papal army, had a tender devotion to Saint
Joseph, and was not forgotten by the Saint. As his last hour drew nigh, he sent
for the chaplain, saying: Saint Joseph bids me confess at once, as I have not a
moment to lose. After hearing his confession, the chaplain announced that he
was going to say Mass for the sick man, and would afterwards bring him the Holy
Communion. Just as the chaplain was about to ascend the steps of the altar,
Saint Joseph sent to say that there was no time to be lost; he recited aloud
the prayers for Communion, thanking God for permitting him to retain his
consciousness so long. When he had finished praying his delirium returned, but
even then he opened his eyes only to turn them towards the image of the Saint;
he even wished to throw himself on his knees before his holy patron, saying to
the sisters, when they tried to persuade him to lie down again: "Give me
my clothes quickly; do you not see that Saint Joseph is waiting for me?"
On the morrow, about three
o'clock in the morning, he opened his eyes, fixed them on his patron, and
gently passed away.
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