Day 22 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

22nd Meditation.

"And Joseph arose, and took the Child and His Mother, and came into Israel."
-Saint Matthew ii. 12.

 

Here is another proof of Joseph's obedience. The Angel has spoken, and Joseph instantly complies with prompt and unquestioning obedience.

Each word of the narrative corresponds to some part of the Angel's message. It is with the return as with the departure; perfect conformity in the conduct of Joseph to the commands of the Angel. Surge. Qui consurgens. Arise. Joseph arises.Accipe puerum et matrem ejus. Accepit puerum et matrem ejus. Take the Child and His Mother. He takes the Child and His Mother. Vade in terram Israel. Et venit in terram Israel. Go into the land of Israel. And he goes to the land of Israel.

This last fact is recorded in few words, but the journey into Egypt was full of trouble and hardship. Few words suffice to record the latter fact, and yet if the Flight into Egypt was marked by pain and hardship, the Return must have been doubly so. Whether the Holy Family remained in Egypt for three or, as some say, seven years, so long a journey must have been equally trying to a child who, if but three years of age, was too feeble to walk and too heavy to be carried for any length of time, and who, if as old as seven, would still be incapable of travelling fast or far.

Let us follow Joseph on this painful journey. His devotedness is inexhaustible, and his patience and serenity are equally so. Forgetful of self, he thinks only of the Mother and the Child: Accepit puerum et matrem ejus. The way was long, and seemed interminable, but it ends at last: Et venit in terram Israel.

If Joseph is the protector and patron of those who are in difficulty, he is also their example, for, having experienced all kinds of embarrassment, he knows how to compassionate. Let us then have recourse to him whenever we have obstacles to encounter or difficulties that appear insurmountable.

Quod possibilitas nostra non obtinet. It is the Church herself who bids us, in such cases, have recourse to the Holy Patriarch. Following his example, let us persevere on our way, and our goal will be attained!

In face of impossibilities, do what you can and God will do the rest.

22. The Chapel of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Two travellers from Paris, husband and wife, arrived at the Noviciate of the Little Sisters of the Poor at La Tour. They were deeply moved by the welcome they received and by the poverty that reigned in the House. The chapel struck them most forcibly; it was too small even to hold the novices, but it contained a small statue of Saint Joseph, to whom the Sisters had recourse for the funds necessary to construct a more convenient edifice. The travellers had just paid their devotions at the shrine of the Saint, when one of them said to the other: "While kneeling here an idea has struck me." -" And me also." "We are rich."-"That is true." "We have no children."-"Alas! none."-" What if we build on this spot a chapel in honour of Saint Joseph ?"-"The same thought has struck me." The idea was carried out, and at the present day, thanks to the generosity of M. and Mme. Féburier, the Little Sisters of La Tour possess a beautiful church.

Day 23 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

23rd Meditation.

"But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea in the room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither: and being warned in sleep, retired into the quarters of Galilee."
-Saint Matthew ii. 22.

 

Simplicity does not exclude prudence. He who has said, "Be harmless as the dove," has also said, "Be wise as the serpent." Faith does not dispense from the use of reason. God does not reveal everything; and if He has endowed us with intelligence, it is that we may use it. When God speaks, whether by voice of His Angels, by His Church, or by the voice of a Superior, then the part of reason is to believe and obey. On the points where the Divine Will is not revealed, then we must have recourse to the light of reason. Obedience must no longer be blind but clearsighted. Thus was it with Saint Joseph. He learns that Archelaus reigns in Herod's stead, and in his simplicity and rectitude deems that the son may be no better than the father, and fears to enter a country under the jurisdiction of this prince.

There are persons who criticise, blame, and condemn everything; others who approve, excuse, and justify everything. The former lack charity, the latter are wanting in prudence; the former lack kindness of heart, and the latter are wanting in intelligence. It is true that our Lord has said, "Judge not," but Saint Paul has said, "The spiritual man judges all things." The disciple, inspired by the Holy Ghost, cannot contradict his Master.

Beware of judging rashly; beware of the spirit of criticism, for it is satanic and diabolical; but learn to discern the true from the false, good from evil, the wolf from the sheep, the true prophet from the false one, if not, you will betray faith, conscience, and Jesus into the hands of the false friend, the sophist, and the politician. After deliberate reflection, Joseph still hesitates as to what step to take, when the Angel returns, and a heavenly command terminates his suspense.

Though God only helps him who helpe himself, we must trust far less to our own efforts than to Divine assistance. The possible is for us to accomplish; God will accomplish the rest.

Watchword. In face of difficulty reflect and pray.

23. The Holy Family and the Society of Jesus.

Three novices of the Society of Jesus, whilst making a pilgrimage, lost their way, and though exhausted by hunger and fatigue, ceased not to pray and trust to heaven for help. Their hope was realised. They saw a man and woman approach, the latter bearing in her arms a child. "Come with us," said the strangers; "you have lost your way, we shall direct you, but first you must take some refreshment, for you seem exhausted." Saying this they shared their own provisions with the novices.

The repast was delicious, and heightened by the affability of the hosts. The novices, though overwhelmed by astonishment and gratitude, were anxious to know to whom they were indebted for such kind hospitality. Their curiosity was gratified when one of the three strangers said: "We are the founders of the Society of Jesus: Nos fundavimus Societatem Jesu." They then vanished, and the novices then knew that they were the Holy Family.

Day 21 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

21st Meditation.

"But when Herod was dead, behold an Angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph in Egypt, Saying: Arise, and take the Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the Child."
-Saint Matthew ii. 19, 20

 

Days, weeks, months, and years pass, and the expected Angel does not reappear. What if there has been some illusion? Will it not be wise to settle definitely in Egypt Doubtless the Jews, then so numerous in that land, often said to Joseph: Follow our example; we, like you, have given up our country, and the holy city of David; like you, our hearts turn incessantly towards the Temple of our God; but, nevertheless, we have made our home in this friendly land.

Joseph lives on from day to day, relying on the Angel's promise, and awaiting his return.

Let us beware of clinging too fondly to any place, employment, or special occupation. Let us hold ourselves ready to quit all, so soon as by the voice of an angel, visible or invisible-I mean, by the voice of a superior, by the force of circumstances, or by secret inspiration, we shall be called to another sphere and another work.

You have conceived such and such a project, undertaken a certain work, embraced a certain state, cultivated a certain virtue, demanded a certain grace, impelled by an inspiration that you deemed divine. And now years have gone by and no light from on high has appeared, none of your hopes are realised. Your labours, your efforts, your prayers are fruitless; you begin to fear lest you have been the victim of an illusion or have taken for inspiration what was but a dream.

Ah no, it was no dream! At the moment when you least expect it, and when, like a second Tobias, you look but for death, the promised grace will be bestowed, light will come, and the star shall shine for you as it shone for the Magi, the Angel will return and announce that Herod is no more, that the obstacle which has hitherto rendered your project futile has now disappeared. All that was foreshown you is accomplished. Watchword. Cease not work, success will come in God's good time.

Day 20 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

20th Meditation.

"And Joseph remained in Egypt until the death of Herod."
-Saint Matthew ii. 15.

 

Another of those words which indicate more than appears at first sight. He was there: Erat ibi; but what was his position and how did he live? Picture to yourself a poor artisan all at once transported to a foreign land, where he knows no one, is known of none, is without means, tools, work, or home. Ah! what are the anxieties and inconveniences of Bethlehem compared with the cares and sufferings of Egypt? At Bethlehem they at least knew the extent of their sojourn, it was but for a few days; but of their stay in Egypt they know nought, neither can they even conjecture the duration of their exile.

"Remain there," said the Angel, "until I return." In face of a future so uncertain, it is vain to think of any permanent abode; and yet, with all the inconveniences inseparable from a temporary sojourn, that sojourn will last for years.

Who can tell the sadness experienced by the Holy Family at sight of the idolatry of Egypt? In presence of this sorrow all the privations of exile grow pale and vanish. God ignored, God offended, souls lost, ah! what grief to the heart of Jesus, and therefore to the hearts of Mary and Joseph also!

The Holy Family in Egypt is a type of the Church in the world. The Church is there: the Pope is there: Et erat ibi, always threatened by Herod and awaiting the tyrant's death: Usque ad obitum Herodis.

Such, too, is the situation of those persons and societies who dedicate themselves to God's service. In the ages of faith they built for the future; but now times are changed. A work is commenced, and to-morrow the breath of Revolution or a tyrant's caprice stays your projects or destroys your undertaking. Labour on in spite of this, and carry on the works God has inspired you to commence. But trust not to man, but depend on God alone. Watchword. Work, but be ready to quit it at the first intimation that such is God's will.

20. The Deserted Pilgrims.

Cecile Portaro and a few of her companions made a pilgrimage to Notre-Damede-Drépane, in Sicily. The boat which should have brought them back started without them, and they were left ashore, far from Palermo, and without shelter for the night. Great was the consternation of the little band. Cecile invoked Saint Joseph, and almost immediately, an old man and child arrived; the former, touched by the anxiety of the holy maidens, offered to show them the way, and the child took charge of their scanty baggage. "Good man," said Cecile, "surely Saint Joseph has sent you; but we have a long way to go." "Where to?" replied the old man. "To Palermo, Rue Saint Joseph." "That is my street," rejoined the old man, and they continued their route. As soon as the little caravan had arrived at the place of their destination, the old man set down the luggage. The travellers turned round to thank him, but both old man and child had vanished, and Cecile felt sure they could be no others than Saint Joseph and the Infant Jesus.

 

Day 19 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

19th Meditation.

" Joseph arose, and took the Child and His Mother by night, and retired into Egypt."
-Saint Matthew ii. 14.

 

Admire the promptitude and calmness of this act of obedience: Qui consurgens. The Angel has spoken, Joseph arises. He commands in as straightforward and simple a manner as he obeys-he uses no subterfuge with regard to many, but takes the Infant and His Mother: Accepit puerum et matrem ejus and at once they set forth. Nocte: that very night, without objection, hesitation, or delay, the command of heaven is obeyed.

The world is surprised at the activity of the Saints, at the multiplicity of their works. Let us reflect on the time we lose in resisting the Divine inspirations, the orders of Providence, the claims of duty, and the rights of obedience. If we simply do what God wills, we shall find time for all.

Remark the parallel in the words of the Angel and the conduct of Joseph. The acts of the latter respond word for word to the commands of the former. The Angel has spoken: "Arise," Surge, and Joseph arises: Qui consurgens. "Take the Child and His Mother," adds the Celestial Messenger, and Joseph takes the Child and His Mother. Accipe puerum et matrem ejus; Accepit puerum et matrem ejus. Again the Angel continues: Flee into Egypt, and Joseph flees into Egypt. Fuge in Ægyptum; -Secessit in Ægyptum.

Let the rule of your conduct be the Word of God, whether manifested by the voice of those whom He has given you as Superiors, in the Church, in the family, in your own special sphere, in the rules of your profession, in the inspirations of grace, and the external leadings of Providence, and then your walk will be sure and firm, calm and rapid; all difficulties will vanish, all obstacles disappear.

Behold Saint Joseph, Secessit in Ægyptum, he retires into Egypt. The words are so short and simple that at first we dream not of the anxiety, pain, and peril of so long and sudden a journey. But God has spoken, God wills it, therefore nothing is difficult, nothing is impossible.

Watchword. Before obedience all difficulties vanish.

19. The Shipwreck and the Seven Paters and Aves

Two Franciscans who had been shipwrecked were clinging to a fragment of timber, where for three days they remained between life and death. At last they recommended themselves to Saint Joseph, and at once a majestic youth appeared and steered them to the shore. On landing, the two religious threw themselves at the feet of their liberator, entreating him to reveal his name. "I am Joseph, whom you invoked," replied he; "and if you wish to give me pleasure, let no day pass without reciting seven Paters and Aves, in memory of the seven joys and seven dolours of my earthly life." That said, he disappeared, leaving the two religious overwhelmed by gratitude and joy.

 

Day 18 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

18th Meditation.

"Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise and take the Child and His Mother, and fly into Egypt; and be there until I shall tell thee: For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to destroy Him."
-Saint Matthew ii. 13.

 

But this is a dream! And on the faith of a nocturnal vision which may prove to be only a delusion, will it be wise to heed the warning and take so strange a course ?

This Child is God! and must He have recourse to flight to escape a tyrant's rage?

The vengeance of the angel's message renders the exile yet more appalling: Et esto ibi usque dum dicam tibi remain in Egypt untill I tell thee to return.

But if this vision be indeed from heaven, what a responsibility even then! At this very moment, perchance, the tyrant's emissaries are at hand, ready to slay the Infant at His Mother's breast.

What step must be taken? Shall he regard the vision as but an idle dream, or at once incur the danger of a hasty flight?

Joseph is as superior to human reasonings as he is to trouble and alarm. In him faith is predominant; but where shall I seek this calmness, so simple and sublime, free from the hesitation of doubt, unmoved by the storm of passion?

Be attentive and obedient to the inspirations with which grace constantly prevents us, then shall we easily discern the true from the false, and neither be misled by vain reasoning nor by the fears of a restless mind.

Watchword. Calmly obey the voice of Divine inspiration.

18. The Lucky Number.

A young man was about to draw for the conscription. On his way he entered a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph-des Champs, near Laval. "You know," said he to the Saint, "how I dread military service; less on account of the hardships and dangers of war than because of the idleness and immorality of the barracks. Here is the number which I desire." Saying this he placed the number on the altar and went his way. At the moment of putting his hand into the urn he invoked Saint Joseph, and withdrew the very number he had named. He hastened to the sanctuary and returned heartfelt thanks to the Saint.

Day 17 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

17th Meditation.

"And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, into their city Nazareth."
- Saint Luke ii. 39.

 

Joseph and Mary leave their home only to accomplish the precept of the law; that duty fulfilled, they return to their solitude.

Let us also love the calm and tranquillity of a retired life, and only appear in the world when duty or charity demand; but when summoned by duty, let us accomplish with exactitude and fidelity all that charity, the glory of God, and the good of our neighbour require. So Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth, only when they have fully accomplished all that the law demanded: Et ut perficerent omnia secundum legem Domini. When we have effected any good, we are sometimes tempted to cling to the work that has succeeded so well, and to the persons whom we have benefited, Let us reject this illusion, and escape from the praise and thanks of men. Return to our hidden life, court oblivion, and remain in our retirement until called to quit it by the manifestation of the Divine will or the necessities of our neighbour.

Watchword. To do good, and to annihilate self.

17. The Little Sisters of the Poor and Saint Joseph.

The Little Sisters of the Poor at Roanne owed 2000 francs. The time of payment was at hand, and the cash-box was still empty. True, they daily found sufficient food for their poor, but 2000 francs were not so easy to find. "Saint Joseph alone can rescue us," said the Sisters; "let us commence a Novena." They do so, and deposit their request at the foot of the statue of their patron. Before the close of the Novena, the Superioress was sent for by a stranger who had been taken ill at the hotel. "Sister," said the lady, "have you a chamber to spare for me?"-" Madam," replied the sister, "we receive only poor old men; but I can tell you of a house that will suit you much better than would ours."-" Sister," replied the stranger, "I suppose you do not refuse alms?"-"They are our only resource," answered the Superioress. The lady then took a purse and presented it to the sister, who, on opening it, was overwhelmed with gratitude to find that it contained just the 2000 francs for which they had petitioned Saint Joseph.