Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of Saint Joseph: FIRST SORROW AND JOY

The Incarnation of the Son of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary

This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus – because he will save his people from their sins.” So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told him to.

Silent Reflection

Prayer

Dear St Joseph, you had plans of your own when unexpected events suddenly took you by surprise. At first you were perplexed, yet you did not resort to rash judgment. You searched for God’s will. After realizing how a greater plan was in store for you and Mary, you wholeheartedly obeyed it.

In our life we oftentimes experience incidents that make us resentful of God, of other people, of ourselves. Teach us how to behave properly, root out the bitterness in our hearts, and continuously discern God’s plan so that we may become consistently attuned to His will.

We remember in our prayers all those who are preparing for marriage, the priesthood, or the religious life, and those who are still having thoughts of the vocation they will be embracing for life, that like you they may be open to the Holy Spirit’s intervention, empowering them to make the right decision. Lastly, we also remember our particular intentions…Amen.

1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and 1 Glory Be

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