Most Faithful

When a person has faith, he or she is in possession of something invaluable, something that acts as an impenetrable bulwark against life’s suffering and trials. Think of someone of true faith whom you’ve encountered. People like this are constructed from something otherworldly, almost as if they don’t live by the same norms, maxims and values most commonly found among men. They have a resolve that defies what most consider reasonable. No matter the era or circumstance, a man of true faith lives with his compass directed towards God, overcoming any and all obstacles.[vii] 

St. Joseph is the model of this kind of faith. Joseph knew, with a certainty beyond human reason, that the voice of God had spoken to him to take Mary as his wife, and he responded with generous faith. His faith never wavered through all the uncertainty and trials of the life of the Holy Family. He never doubted the divinity of Jesus or his power to conquer evil. To the world, Jesus looked like an ordinary child, but St. Joseph knew he was God.

The greatest fear of any parent is failing to protect and provide for their families. Parents also have to contend with the innumerable threats that lie in wait for their children in the spiritual and moral sphere. What will be on TV at their friend’s home? Will someone show pornography on their smart phone? What leering looks or vulgar comments might their daughters face? What bullying or peer pressure towards evil will they be subjected to? In many such situations, parents will not be able to be present to protect their families.

Therefore, we must rely on the spiritual weapons available to us as powerful defenses: the intercession of our spiritual father, St. Joseph, as well as our own Guardian Angels and those Angels assigned by God to watch over the members of our families. To raise a child today as a faithful Catholic takes a commensurate level of faith: the more severe the danger, the greater the faith that is required.

St. Joseph, Most Faithful, pray for us and for our families! Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Compose a simple prayer to your guardian angel and ask God to help you be aware of their presence, their spiritual weapons and heavenly aid. Reflect on Ephesians 6: 10-17, ”Put on the Armor of God”.

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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