Most Courageous

St. Joseph shines as a model of courage and fortitude. When told by the angel “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,” (Mt 1:20) he courageously obeyed. He travelled many miles to Bethlehem in the cold and wind, only to meet rejection when he got there. He found refuge in an animal shelter for the birth of Jesus. Just days later, he arose early to flee into Egypt saving the Child Jesus from the vicious and murderous threats of King Herod. Faced with so many difficulties, St. Joseph stood tall and confronted the obstacles in his life with manly courage.

The cardinal virtue of fortitude strengthens the will and gives a person courage and a firm resolve to do God’s will, even in the midst of great suffering. Fortitude helps us to overcome any dangers, obstacles, and fears; it enables a person to withstand whatever difficulties may block him from attaining his true goal.

What are you afraid of? Losing your health? Losing your job? Providing for your family? Caring for your parish family? Are you afraid of rejection? Do you fear not measuring up to others? It is said that, in the Bible, God tells us “Do not be afraid!” 365 times – one for each day of the year. Clearly, God calls us to trust in Him and to have courage: 

Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. (Dt 31:6)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (Jn 14:27)

At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt 14:27)

It is easy to be courageous when times are good, but it is difficult to be courageous when times are tough. When things get tough, we can call on St. Joseph to help us to be courageous. We can ask for his intercession so that Jesus can infuse us with fortitude and courage through the power of the Holy Spirit. For it is from Jesus Christ that we receive the grace and virtues, so that we become not just sons and daughters of his earthly father St Joseph, but adopted sons and daughters of our Father in heaven.

St. Joseph, help me to imitate you and to be courageous, especially in times filled with difficulty and sorrow. Give me the courage to be a good and faithful witness to Jesus Christ in word and in deed. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Identify a circumstance in your life where you need greater courage. Ask for the gift of courage and the help of St. Joseph to take the next steps needed to confront your challenge as beloved sons and daughters of God the Father.

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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