Mar 19 2009
Joseph, Human Model of Fatherhood
Man of God, St. Joseph,
Faithful son of the Father.
Wise guardian of the Word made flesh;
Obedient servant of the Holy Spirit;
be to me a father and a friend.
Watchful protector of the Church,
teach me to reverence Jesus
the Bread of Life
and to love him in every crushed grain of
humanity, from which his Body is made
Chaste Husband of the Immaculate Virgin,
help me to honour Mary with a pure and
innocent mind, courageous chastity of body
and constant reflection on the mysteries of her Son.
Gentle Father of the Holy Family,
be mindful of my needs and those of my family.
Gather us in prayer each day with Jesus and Mary.
(Pause for silent reflection and prayer.)
Guard me from the evil of these times,
from the worship of riches,
from the destructive pursuit of pleasure and
from the pride that blinds me to the perfect love of Christ.
Show me how to live and work
in the presence of Jesus all the days of my life
and to come to him at the end in a death
as peaceful and happy as your own. Amen.