Festival of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Guardian of our Lord
Posted on March 19, 2022 by under
Scripture: Acts 5:34-42 (NKJV)
5:34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Devotion
One of the most famous rabbis of his time, Gamaliel, was Paul’s teacher and probably a grandson of Rabbi Hillel, the leader of one of the two great schools of Jewish legal interpretation. We have no evidence that Gamaliel was a believer in the Lord Jesus, but his logic is something to be admired.
Everyone has examples set for them in this life; some good and some not so good. The Apostles counted themselves worthy to suffer for Christ, following the example of our Lord who suffered for our sakes to win forgiveness of sin. Today, as we remember St. Joseph, we should reflect on the godly example that parents are called to set for their children, as well as the holiest example of our Father in heaven, who adopted us through His Son Jesus Christ. Because of the adoption, the Holy Ghost gives us the ability to cry out, “Abba, Father!” This is so that we may always live in the example of our Father in heaven, His beloved Son, and even the example of our fathers in the faith.
Prayer: O God, who seest that of ourselves we have no strength: Keep us both outwardly and inwardly; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Festival of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Guardian of Our Lord
O Lord, by the working of the Holy Spirit, Thou didst inspire in St. Joseph a quiet obedience to the Word, guide and direct us to emulate such virtue in our life and conversation as shall glorify Thee in faithfulness day and night, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with the Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
