Most Just

The Scriptures pay Joseph the highest compliment: he was a “just” man. By saying Joseph was “just,” the Scriptures reveal that he was completely open to all that God wanted to do for him. He became holy by opening himself totally to God. Joseph was also a righteous man–a man of honesty, integrity, and virtue. St. Joseph is the greatest and holiest saint after the Blessed Mother herself. In fact, some of the Doctors of the Church said that there was no grace ever given to any of the Saints (except Mary) that was not given to St. Joseph as well.

The virtue of justice involves “giving to another his due.” For example, in our relationship with God, we owe it to Him to be grateful for our existence, to praise Him for His goodness, and to have gratitude for the many ways He has blessed us. In our relationship with others, it means treating family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, parishioners, and all people with love, dignity, and respect. Remember what Jesus says: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Lk 6:31)

St. Thomas Aquinas says that God gives grace proportionate to our office and to our state in life. So, if you are a husband or father, you will be given the grace to be a holy husband or father. If you are a wife or mother, you will be given the grace to be a holy wife or mother. If you are an ordained priest, you will be given the grace to be a priest and spiritual father to your people. Imagine how much grace St. Joseph received to be the foster father of the Son of God and the spouse of the Mother of God! However, being a just person doesn’t happen automatically. It takes a specific attitude and mindset to want to do what is right and desire to receive God’s grace. We should ask ourselves, “Do I want to do what’s right in the sight of God? Am I open to God’s grace to transform my heart and mind to grow in the virtue of justice? Do I want to develop the integrity and character of St. Joseph?”

St. Joseph, Most Just, pray that I may grow in the virtue of justice. Help me to examine my life to see if I am really open to all that God wants of me. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Resolve to be completely truthful and just in every interaction you have this day.

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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