Lover of Poverty

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

(Mt 5:3)

What does it mean to be poor in spirit and why is it a blessing? To be poor in spirit means that one is detached from the things of this world. Jesus tells us that those who are poor in spirit are not far from the kingdom of heaven. A person who is detached from worldly things is spiritually rich. In this sense, poverty is understood to be a virtue, and it is in this context that we attribute the title “Lover of Poverty” to St. Joseph.

St. Joseph embraced an austere life as a craftsman and humble father. The birth of Christ in a cave, the Flight to Egypt, and his laborious occupation all demonstrate his detachment from worldly goods. The New Testament also reveals to us that the Holy Family was very poor. When the Holy Family journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to participate in the Jewish ritual of purification for a new mother, Joseph couldn’t even afford to purchase a lamb for a burnt offering; he could only offer a poor man’s gift, that is, two turtledoves or two young pigeons. Had the Baby Jesus not been given gold, frankincense, and myrrh by the Wise Men in Bethlehem, it is likely that St. Joseph would not have had money to purchase food and other necessities for his family when they traveled to Egypt.[x] Yet despite his financial austerity, one can only imagine what an inconceivable grace it must have been to be present with the Blessed Mother and the Son of God and to contribute to God’s plan of salvation.

Those who depend on worldly things are destined for unhappiness. True happiness is never found in material goods, but in the things of God.

St. Joseph, Lover of Poverty, pray that I may become poor in spirit. Help me to detach myself from worldly things and to abandon my life to the Providence of God. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any area of your life where undue dependence on worldly goods keeps you from pursuing the virtue of poverty and relying on God’s providence. Entrust these areas to God in a simple prayer.

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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