Fr Chris Skinner SM, shares with us this month, a section of the Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, in which Pope Francis outlines why St Joseph has such significance for the Church. He is a powerful intercessor for all of us and we can call on him to protect us all in our vulnerability.
For the reflection material click HERE
An easy to print Marist Laity guide to the reflection can be found HERE

Begin with Prayer, then read Psalm 31:15-20

My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame… let the lying lips be stilled that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt. O How abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, in the sight of everyone! In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under you shelter from contentious tongues.

  • Read the Scripture again to yourself. Notice how you feel.

  • Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.

  • Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

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To Listen to the Audio, click HERE.

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Simply use the questions below as starters to guide your sharing.

  • What strikes you most from the reflection?

  • What can we learn from the quiet courageous actions of Joseph in times of struggle?

  • Where do I need St. Joseph to intercede for me to act wisely or see things from a different perspective?

  • How does seeing ordinary people quietly doing things for others inspire you?

  • In your group: Give each one the name of one person present and space to write. (Make sure everyone is included ). Each then writes the caring characteristic’s they see in that person.  (2 mins). Read these aloud or share the paper with person named.  (If you are doing this reflection alone, pray about how God sees you. What surprises you? Spend time praying with those insights.)

  

Marist Moment:

“Mighty St. Joseph, I choose thee anew as my tender father and protector; look on me as thine own, as thy unworthy servant; into thy hands I resign my salvation and all that concerns me.”

This prayer was written by Venerable Jean Claude Colin (Founder); discovered amongst his papers after he died.

  

Pray with and for each other then conclude with this prayer.

Blessed Joseph, To you, God entrusted his only Son;

in you, Mary placed her trust; with you, Christ became a man.

Joseph, pray for us like a father and guide us in the path of life.

Intercede for us so that we may receive the grace we need

to provide for those God has entrusted to our care,

whether for a moment or for a lifetime.

Obtain for us, grace, mercy and courage to do God’s will

and defend us from evil. Amen.