Most Prudent

Prudence is the mother of all virtues and the key virtue in the Christian moral tradition; it is the ability to make right judgments. Prudence helps us to determine our true good in every circumstance. Wisdom and prudence go hand in hand. Wisdom is knowledge combined with the practical experience necessary to use it effectively at the right time or in the right situation. Prudence is the ability to act in accordance with knowledge and wisdom. The Book of Proverbs helps us to see the value of wisdom and prudence:

Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold.

[For Wisdom is better than corals,

and no treasures can compare with her.]

I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence,

and useful knowledge I have.

(Proverbs 8:10-12)

In every situation in life, St. Joseph was a model of prudence. He prayed and waited on the Lord to reveal the mysteries of his wife’s pregnancy to him. He educated the God-Man, and, in every situation, allowed prudence to govern his actions. Each time Joseph knew the will of God, he acted decisively, swiftly, and accurately. He acted neither rashly nor timidly, but prudently.[vi]

Real life has endless opportunities to exercise the virtue of prudence. Some acts are intrinsically evil, and they must never be done. But that list is short, so most of life requires prudential judgment. Let us pray and ask St. Joseph for an increase in prudence.

St. Joseph, help me to increase in the virtue of prudence. Guide me to do what is right no matter how much I have to suffer for it. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Are there situations in my life right now that require great wisdom and prudence to know the right thing to do? If so, identify these and resolve to seek Godly wisdom through counsel and prayer to be prepared to act with prudence.

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
He has made him lord of his household,
And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

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