Day 5 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

5th Meditation.

"While Joseph thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep."
-Saint Matthew i. 20.

 

What honour for Saint Joseph thus to be deemed worthy of retaining her as spouse, who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, had become the Mother of God !

We must admit that he had, by his prudence and discretion, proved himself worthy of the high mission intrusted to him. In similar circumstances how many would by their precipitation have ruined all! Joseph is lord of his own mind and heart. He takes time to reflect: Hæc autem eo cogitante.

Let us think before we act, think before we speak, think even before pronouncing interiorly, especially when our neighbour's honour is concerned. Let us wait for light from above, and when we have used all possible means, and applied all the resources of our mind and will, suddenly, and at the very moment when we least expect it, God will send His angel: Hæc autem eo cogitante, ecce angelus Domini apparuit in somnis ei. During sleep, in the hours of night, at the moment when we end our research, or at the moment when all is dark around, light will appear, inspiration will arrive, and the Divine Will be declared.

Watchword. Reflect before you speak or act.

5. Patronage of Saint Joseph.

Saint Theresa relates that at the Feast of the Assumption Saint Joseph appeared and covered her with a mantle of brilliant whiteness, revealing to her at the same time, that she was justified from all her sins, and that he would obtain for her all the favours she desired.

Saint Theresa had dedicated the greater part of her convents to Saint Joseph, but after her decease, some of these houses were placed under her protection. The saint appeared to one of the religious and gave her this strict order: Tell the Father Provincial to remove my name from the houses and restore to them that of Saint Joseph.