Guardian of the Mystery of God

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight,

he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. (Eph 1:3-10)

The opening chapter of Ephesians announces “the mystery” of God’s will—that is, God’s plan of salvation, a plan that was kept secret in the past (Old Covenant), but has been revealed in the fullness of time (New Covenant). God’s will is that men should have access to the Father, through Christ, the Word made flesh, in the Holy Spirit, and become sharers in the divine nature (cf. Eph 2:18; 2 Pt 1:4). Together with Mary, St. Joseph is the first guardian of this divine mystery. 

To be a guardian is to be a defender, protector, or keeper. The Blessed Virgin Mary “protected and defended” God’s plan of redemption through her faith. Throughout Jesus’ life, she was faithful to God’s plan, especially at Calvary and during the event of Pentecost. Although Joseph’s earthly life ended before the mystery of the Redemption was complete, Joseph’s way of faith moved in the same direction: it was totally determined by the same mystery, of which he, together with Mary, had been the first guardian. The Incarnation and Redemption constitute an organic and indissoluble unity, in which “the plan of revelation is realized by words and deeds which are intrinsically bound up with each other.” Precisely because of this unity, Pope John XXIII, who had a great devotion to St. Joseph, directed that Joseph’s name be inserted in the Roman Canon of the Mass–which is the perpetual memorial of redemption–after the name of Mary and before the Apostles, Popes and Martyrs. (Redemptoris Custos, n.6)

As disciples of Jesus, we too are called to be Guardians of the Mystery of God through our faith in the promises of God and through the way we live our lives. We live in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world that is greatly influenced by secular worldviews and nonbiblical perspectives. These views will become increasingly more prevalent unless we speak up, debunk false teaching, and become heralds of the Gospel. Scripture is clear about the fact that we must be prepared to communicate the truth of the Gospel when given the opportunity―and to do it with charity.

St. Joseph, Guardian of the Mystery of God, pray for me that I may do my part to guard and defend the mystery of the Redemption and proclaim it to those that Christ brings before me. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Can you identify the false teachings of the secularized world today that are leading us away from the truths of God? Identify one of these that perhaps has crept into your thinking or that of a family member. Ask for the wisdom to see anew through the eyes of faith, seek the resources from a solid Catholic source to equip yourself with a faithful response to speak the truth in love.

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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