The Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of Saint Joseph - Reflection and Prayers
The Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of Saint Joseph are a profound reflection on the trials and triumphs experienced by this holy figure. Each sorrow represents a moment of struggle or suffering in Joseph's life, while each joy encapsulates a blessing or a moment of divine assurance he received.
Seven Sorrows of Saint Joseph:
1. The Doubt of Joseph: When he learned of Mary's pregnancy, Joseph faced a deep internal conflict, grappling with his love for her and the challenge of believing in her purity and the divine nature of her conception.
2. The Poverty of the Birth of Jesus: Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem as a result of the census, and upon their arrival, they found no suitable place for Mary to give birth, leading to Jesus being born in a stable.
3. The Flight into Egypt: After receiving a warning in a dream about King Herod's intention to kill the infant Jesus, Joseph demonstrated great courage by fleeing to Egypt with his family, leaving behind everything familiar and facing the uncertainties of a new land.
4. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple: During a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover, Joseph and Mary experienced great anguish when they realised Jesus had stayed behind at the Temple, leading to three days of frantic searching until they found Him.
5. The Return from Egypt: Upon returning to Israel, Joseph faced the challenge of relocating his family again, this time to Nazareth, as he dealt with the fear of Herod’s successor, Archelaus.
6. The Hidden Life in Nazareth: Joseph had to endure the anonymity and labour of daily life as a humble carpenter, working tirelessly to provide for Mary and Jesus while knowing the greatness of his family’s mission.
7. The Death of Mary: The sorrows culminate in the profound loss Joseph experienced by the death of Mary, a deep sorrow that lingered as he continued to care for Jesus and impart the teachings of their faith.
Seven Joys of Saint Joseph:
1. The Annunciation to Joseph: The joy of receiving revelation from an angel reassured him of Mary’s innocence and the holy nature of her pregnancy, allowing him to accept his role as protector and foster father.
2. The Birth of Jesus: Witnessing the miraculous birth of Jesus brought immense joy to Joseph as he held the Saviour in his arms, filling his heart with love and gratitude.
3. The Adoration of the Magi: Joseph found joy in seeing the wise men pay homage to Jesus, acknowledging the divinity and future significance of his son.
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the Lord, he felt immense pride and joy in fulfilling the customs of the law and witnessing Simeon and Anna proclaim Jesus’ glory.
5. The Return of Jesus from the Temple: The relief and happiness of finding Jesus after his three days of absence in the Temple was a joyous moment for Joseph, reaffirming his faith and the special mission of his son.
6. The Confirmation of Jesus’ Mission: Joseph took great joy in observing Jesus grow in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and man, realising the profound impact his family would have on the world.
7. The Intimacy of the Holy Family: The daily experiences of living with Mary and Jesus, nurturing and guiding them, filled Joseph's life with joy, love, and purpose, embodying his role as head of the Holy Family.
The Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph highlights the depth of his emotional journey, inviting the faithful to meditate on the balance of suffering and joy in a life devoted to God’s will.
Prayer to Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Amen
1. St. Joseph, chaste spouse of the Holy Mother of God, through the sorrow that pierced your heart at the thought of a cruel separation from Mary, and through the deep joy you experienced when the angel revealed to you the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation, obtain for us from Jesus and Mary the grace to overcome all anxiety. Win for us from the Adorable Heart of Jesus the unspeakable peace of which He is the eternal source.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
2. St. Joseph, Foster-Father of Jesus, by the bitter sorrow you experienced in seeing the Child Jesus lying in a manger, and by the joy you felt when the Wise Men recognized and adored Him as their God, obtain through your prayers that our hearts, purified by your protection, may become a living crib, where the Savior of the world may receive and bless our homage.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
3. St. Joseph, by the sorrow that pierced your heart at the sight of the blood flowing from the Infant Jesus during His Circumcision, and by the joy that filled your soul at the privilege of imposing the sacred and mysterious Name of Jesus, obtain for us that the merits of this Precious Blood may be applied to our souls and that the Divine Name of Jesus may be engraved forever in our hearts.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
4. St. Joseph, by the sorrow you felt when the Lord declared that a sword would pierce Mary's soul, and by the joy you experienced when holy Simeon proclaimed that the Divine Infant would be the resurrection of many, obtain for us the grace to have compassion for Mary's sorrows and to share in the salvation that Jesus brought to the earth.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
5. St. Joseph, by the sorrow you felt when told to flee into Egypt, and by the joy you experienced in seeing the idols overthrown at the arrival of the Living God, grant that no idol of earthly affection may occupy our hearts any longer. May we, like you, be entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, living and happily dying for them alone.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
6. St. Joseph, by the sorrow of your heart caused by the fear of the tyrant Archelaus, and by the joy of sharing the company of Jesus and Mary in Nazareth, obtain for us the grace to be free from all fear, that we may enjoy the peace of a good conscience and live securely in union with Jesus and Mary, experiencing the effect of your helpful assistance at the hour of our death.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
7. St. Joseph, by the bitter sorrow caused by the loss of the Child Jesus, and by the holy joy you felt in finding your Treasure upon entering the Temple, we ask you not to allow us to lose our Saviour Jesus through sin. Yet, if this misfortune befalls us, grant that we may share your eagerness in seeking Him and obtain for us the grace to find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death. This way, we may pass from this life to enjoy His presence in heaven, where we can sing with you of His divine mercies forever.
(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be)
Let Us Pray
O God, who in Your ineffable Providence
Choose St. Joseph to be the Spouse of Your most holy Mother;
Grant, we beseech You,
that we may deserve to have him
as our intercessor in heaven,
whom we venerate on earth as our holy protector.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Dr Nicholas Macedon OCD, Director of JJCIS
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
Comments
Post a Comment