In his apostolic letter, Patris Corde, Pope Francis encourages us to implore the intercession of St Joseph, and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.
For the reflection material click HERE
An easy to print Marist Laity guide to the reflection can be found HERE
For an easy to print Marian Mothers Guide, click HERE
To Listen to the Audio, click HERE.

Begin with Prayer, then read Matthew 1:18-21, 24

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”   When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded and took his wife into his home.

  • Read the Scripture again to yourself.
  • Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.
  • Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

 

Marist Laity questions to help guide your sharing.

  • Spend a few moments looking at this image. What strikes you? What connections do you see with todays reflection?
  • What characteristics of Joseph do you most relate to?
  • Joseph as a model calls us to “embrace the way things are, with hope and courage, even when they do not turn out as we wish.” What can we learn from Joseph during this pandemic and in everyday life?
  • Joseph’s life encourages us to … show special concern for the weak: How can we live that example in our family/parish?
  • Read the Marist moment below together. What are some ways you will strengthen connection with St Joseph in your family, home and community?

 

 

Marist Moment:

The one who was the guardian of the B.V. Mary, … who shared all her pain and trials, …was St Joseph. … The special protector of the Society, after Mary who is the first. … We ought to have a special devotion for this great saint.  I urge you to honour him … as ‘guardian of this house’. It is under St Joseph’s protection that we ought to place the temporal affairs of our houses, for he who worked so hard to feed Jesus and Mary will not fail to grant you his aid.               (Excerpts from: A Founder Speaks 116, 166)

Pray Together Then Conclude the Meeting with this Prayer

“Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.” (By Pope Francis)

St Joseph, our counsellor and guide, grant us your aid. (Italics from Traditional Marist prayer).

Amen