The Second Joy of St Joseph is read by Josh Treacy. 

As soon as we meet St Joseph in Matthew’s Gospel we are told that his relationship with Mary is in crisis.  Mary is expecting a baby.  Joseph knows that this child is not his.  What is he to do?

Joseph wants to resolve the situation with sensitivity.  He intends to break off the engagement and so avoid unwelcome publicity about Mary’s situation.

Then, like his namesake Joseph in the book of Genesis and like St Patrick centuries later, Joseph has a dream that he recognises as guidance from God.  God’s Spirit is at work in Mary’s pregnancy, and Joseph is called to take up his own role in God’s plan.

Relationships in crisis and both hopes and disappointments around pregnancy are not new in the prayers that people bring to Lough Derg.  May those who struggle with these realities find a sensitive response from others and seek God’s guidance for the best way forward.

Let us pray with Pope Francis:

  Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted his only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father

and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,

and defend us from every evil. Amen.

• From his letter “With a Father’s Heart”

St Joseph, pray for us.

22 April 2021