As mentioned on another post I have started to include St Joseph more when I meditate on the Joyful mysteries (as recommended by someone on the forum). It has been a great way of getting to know more of this amazing man and saint. I need help to develop this devotion further so please if you have any thoughts share them so it will further inflame my mind with ardent love of St Joseph. 1. The Annunciation Joseph was a man faithful to the law. Joseph was pledged to be married to Mary when the annunciation happened. He thought of divorcing her quietly at a time when Mary was blessed with the presence of Jesus the fruit of her womb. But an angel told Joseph not to fear and to remain faithful to Mary. The angel told Joseph 'You are to give him the name Jesus'. It is Joseph who give us the Holy Name of Jesus! I had never though of this before! How powerful! 2. The Visitation - Joseph is not mentioned in this mystery - where is he? Mary travelled about 80 miles up hill country - I imagine Mary on a horse and St Joseph leading the horse to the home of Elizabeth where she stayed for 3 months - Joseph the silent hidden one. Joseph was probably present when Elizabeth inspired by the Holy Spirit uttered the immortal words 'Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus'. He probably went back to home to his work to provide for his family and then went back to pick up Mary. Imagine the joy and tears after 3 months separation. Imagine the holy words uttered in that exchange and the love between Joseph and Mary in that moment of embrace. 3. The Nativity. Doesn't need any commentary - 4. Presentation of Jesus in the Temple This mystery make me weep as Joseph and Mary made a sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves and 2 young pigeons - this was the option of the poor who could not afford a Lamb. I have often though about this - were Joseph and Mary poor and could not afford a lamb? I think they could have afforded a lamb - after all the wise me gave gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. So this was a deliberate choice showing the humility of Jesus and Mary. This shows a true and humble spirit and preferential option for the poor. Perhaps the gold was used when Joseph & Mary were forced to flee to Egypt? It is good to mediate on these holy things they inspire love of God. Also in this mystery we have Simeon and Anna prophecies - confirmation for Joseph & Mary that this was indeed the savior of the world in their arms. 5. The finding of the child Jesus in the Temple. Every parents nightmare - the child Jesus is lost - for 3 days and they find Him in the temple holding court as the elders stand in amazement at the wisdom of a 12 year old. Mary says 'Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously' but Jesus replied that He must be about His Father's business. It is clear that Mary and Joseph did not fully understand that statement yet. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Jesus submitted to his earthly parents -- he learnt a lot from Joseph in learning the trade of carpentry. I am useless with my hands and get so frustrated when I cannot sort simple things out. I say to Jesus Lord I wish I was like you and could use my hands. I have often asked Him to give me a little guidance when trying new practical things but no miracles yet in that regard!! We can see the power of meditating on the mysteries - we learn so much about faith and life -- please feel free to add to these little meditations --
Wonderful meditations. Father Calloway's book on consecration to St Joseph has excellent material for meditation on our beloved chaste spouse of Our Lady.
The Mystical City of God by Bl Mary of Agreda I’m going to start reading bits of it It’s available free online
Blessed Ann Catherine Emmerich has a lot to say about St. Joseph. She does say St. Joseph brought Mary to Elizabeth for the visitation, which would make sense since Joseph was espoused to Our Blessed Mother which is a serious contract in Jewish law in which a divorce would have been necessary to break this contract. I'm sure it would have been an obligation for Joseph to see to Mary's protection and care. Here is a link to those visions, start at 5 for St. Joseph. There is also an old tradition in the Church of honoring St. Joseph on the first Wednesday by praying the joyful mysteries in honor of St. Joseph, which Our Lady of America asked for. The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
HH. I’ve been drawn recently to read this as well. Just your mention of it seems to be an affirmation that I should- I think it’s an inspiration given to me recently. Thanks. I’ve also been drawn to know more about St Joseph recently. Thanks to Garabandal for this thread.
Good to hear from you. I have problems focusing as I get older. I feel somewhat scatterbrained and I like to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary. I will probably take these readings in small doses.
