As the life of St. Joseph was such a perfect one, the seal of approval
from almighty God was placed upon it by the grace of a happy death. For
thirty years St. Joseph was the head of the Holy Family, and now Jesus was
to go forth on His public mission. By the disposition of divine
Providence, when his course had been completed and the purpose of his life
was over, he was called away to another world to be rewarded for his holy
life. What death was ever more precious in the sight of God, than that of
St. Joseph! St. Paul exclaimed that the grace of God was not ineffectual
in him, and it gave him great joy. But much more did Joseph co‐operate
with the graces received, so that he was sure that every moment of his
life was spent for the greater glory of God. Holy Scripture describes the
death of the just as a peaceful falling asleep in the Lord. Precious in
the sight of God is the death of His holy ones. They can exclaim, “I know
that my Redeemer liveth and mine eyes shall behold Him on the Last Day.”
St. Joseph died in peace and happiness in the embrace of Jesus and Mary;
his soul was sent forth to the abode of the patriarchs at the bidding of
Jesus, Who had created him. What words can describe the consolations that
filled this noble breast, and with what confidence he looked up to his
Redeemer! And so St. Joseph has become the patron of a happy death.
Prayer.
Holy St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, etc., etc.
Thirty‐first Day.
On this last day of the month, let us consider the power of St. Joseph for
our good in heaven, so that we may draw from it confidence in his
willingness to use it for our spiritual and temporal welfare. The general
principle is, the greater the saint the greater friend he is of almighty
God; and the greater is the power given him by God for the benefit of
those who live in this vale of tears. We may with reason assert that after
the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph is the greatest saint in heaven. He has
been distinguished by God with the greatest privileges on earth, which
certainly did not cease in heaven but rather increased. The heavenly
Father loved him, because he represented the paternity of His divine Son
on earth. God the Son loved him because he was the protector of His
infancy and youth, and the faithful guardian and spouse of the Blessed
Virgin. The Holy Ghost loved him, because he complied so faithfully to His
inspirations. In this predilection for him by the Holy Trinity, lies the
secret of his great power. Who will say, if he asks for anything from God,
that his prayer will be rejected? Let us turn with confidence to the
patronage of St. Joseph, and entreat him to pray for us in all our
necessities.
Prayer.
Holy St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, etc., etc.
Efficacious Prayers.
Thirty Days’ Prayer To St. Joseph.
_To Obtain a Happy Death and Other Good Intentions._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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