Mirror of Patience

Be still before the LORD;

wait for him.

Do not be provoked by the prosperous,

nor by malicious schemers.

Refrain from anger; abandon wrath;

do not be provoked; it brings only harm.

Those who do evil will be cut off,

but those who wait for the LORD will inherit the earth

(Ps 37:7-9)

Patience is a virtue that is talked about throughout the Bible in the Old and New Testaments. Being patient is a vital part of trusting in God as our life circumstances are not always what we would prefer. However, patience is a virtue that many people find hard to practice. We tend to want things to happen according to our own timeline. In addition, today’s advances in technology have put almost everything in life at our fingertips. Our meals, entertainment, music, and contacts are instantly available to us. With this capability, it can be very difficult to wait and acquire the virtue of patience.[viii]

St. Joseph exhibited heroic patience throughout his life. St. Joseph did not demand to know the full plan laid out step-by-step before God’s chosen time. We must imagine he was anxious when he could not find a fitting place for Mary to give birth in. We must imagine he was anxious to hear that his family was being hunted. But he patiently awaited the revelation of God’s plan, submitting himself completely to God’s Providence.

We will all experience many trials in life that will test our patience. God allows such trials because he wants us to grow in virtue. A concrete area in your life where you can exercise the virtue of patience is by being merciful to others, especially when you know their faults. While St. Joseph lived with two perfect people, he must have frequently encountered unpleasant and difficult people: employers, co-workers, tax collectors, politicians, etc. You, too, will experience unpleasant people in your life. In such instances, imitate the patience of St. Joseph. Ask God for the grace to love all the people who cross your path.[ix]

 St. Joseph, pray for an increase in the virtue of patience in me. Teach me to love the difficult people in my life, help me to be still in the midst of the storms that come my way, and to trust that your timing is always perfect. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Ask the Holy Spirit to suggest a person or situation where you can exhibit greater patience. Ask St Joseph, Mirror of Patience, to teach you how to practically do so.

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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