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

The Return to Nazareth

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the child are dead.” So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went back to Israel. But when Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. He was given more instructions in a dream, so he went to the province of Galilee and made his home in a town named Nazareth. And so what the prophets had said came true: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Silent Reflection

Prayer

Dear St Joseph, it was a happy moment to journey back home after being told of Herod’s demise. Yet you feared that his successor may plot against the child entrusted to your care. You went to Nazareth instead, that remote place where the Lord began to reveal His plans to both you and Mary. You came back with your family to begin life anew, where you and the Blessed Mother would rebuild your home, provide for the family, and spend the rest of your life nurturing God’s only Son.

Look upon our present condition and teach us how to unite ourselves daily with our loved ones, our fellowmen, our Creator. May we always see the beauty of life as we follow your example, setting aside fear and rekindling the belief that all things will be brought unto good by our merciful Lord.

We remember in our prayers all families, especially those whose fathers, mothers, or children are working in other countries where there is better opportunity to earn a living, that like you they may remain united and strengthened in charity. Lastly, we also remember our particular intentions…Amen.

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