JOSEPH'S HOLY DAY - One Bread, One Body, 3/19/2009

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Thursday, March 19, 2009, St. Joseph

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29,
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24, or Luke 2:41-51
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/031909.shtml

JOSEPH'S HOLY DAY

"Forever I will maintain My kindness toward him, and My covenant with him
stands firm." —Psalm 89:29

Holy Mother Church has recognized the holiness and trustworthiness of St.
Joseph over the years (see Ps 89:29). Blessed Pope Pius IX named St.
Joseph as patron saint of the universal church. The month of March is
commonly known as the month of St. Joseph. St. Teresa of Avila shares in
her writings a particularly strong devotion to St. Joseph, who never let
her down when she asked for something through his powerful intercession.

Joseph is the legal father of Jesus (see Mt 1:24), acted as Jesus'
guardian, and provided for Him. Because of Joseph, son of David, the
prophecy of the Old Testament is fulfilled that the Messiah would come
through the line of David (2 Sm 7:9-16), through the legal fatherhood of
Joseph.

Joseph's faith was beyond natural ability. He became a foster-father to a
Son conceived in the womb of a Virgin! Joseph indeed submitted his
intellect and will to God. St. Joseph is a great example for us in
fundamental obedience, as he followed the angel's instruction to take
Mary as his wife (see Mt 1:20-24). Tradition says Joseph died in the arms
of Jesus and Mary, and is therefore the patron saint of a happy death. In
the litany to St. Joseph, he is called the "terror of demons." At the hour
of our death, be assured that the demons are working overtime to steal
each of our souls. Therefore, we can confidently entrust ourselves to St.
Joseph, for he is trustworthy.

Prayer: O glorious St, Joseph, assist us in our every necessity, as St.
Thomas Aquinas recommends.

Promise: "All depends on faith, everything is grace." —Rm 4:16

Praise: God unhesitatingly entrusted His only Son and the Blessed Virgin
Mary into the care of St. Joseph. Praise You, Father, "for giving such
authority to men" (Mt 9:8).

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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