Day 9 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

9th Meditation.

"And Joseph knew not Mary till she had brought forth her first-born Son, and he called His name Jesus."
-Saint Matthew i. 25.

 

Jesus is called first-born of Mary, because at the foot of the Cross the Immaculate Virgin was to become the Mother of the human race these represented in the person of Saint John. Joseph and Mary led the life of angels, and towards the Divine Child Saint Joseph exercised all the rights and fulfilled all the duties and offices of father.

In the first place, it is he who has the honour of naming Mary's Son-an honour, we have said, that exalts Joseph far above Patriarchs, Apostles, and Doctors. Now, if the name of Jesus is the only word that we have from the lips of Joseph, this single word reveals the one thought which filled the mind, heart, and life of Saint Joseph.

Great Saint, obtain for me this one favour-to know Jesus, and to know but Jesus. I shall do this, if Jesus, and Jesus alone, is first in my mind and heart, on my lips and in my hands, that is to say, first in my thoughts and my affections, in my words and in my actions. May it be my one ambition, my sole happiness and glory to study Jesus and His Gospel, to serve Jesus and His Church!

Watchword. You are a Christian: be proud of this name.

9. Joseph and the Infant Jesus.

Yolande of Silva, of the Order of Saint Dominic, had an especial veneration for Saint Joseph, because he had the happiness of hearing the cries, of the Infant JESUS, of beholding Him during the days of His infancy, of carrying Him, of caressing and fondling Him with loving reverence.