Pastor's Corner, March 8, 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

As we continue with these reflections on the 7 sorrows and 7 joys of St. Joseph, we now consider the sorrow Joseph felt as he returns from Egypt. St. Matthew tells us, “But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee” (Matthew 2: 22). Joseph was still trying to protect the Son of God from threats and difficulties.

Having decided to settle in Nazareth, St. Joseph began to experience the joys of family life with Mary and Jesus. After the Presentation in the Temple St. Luke tells us, “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2: 40). Imagine what joy and peace would have entered Joseph’s heart after those years in Egypt. At last he was home in Israel and could continue to provide for his family and, with Mary’s help, raise the Son of God.

Prayer: St. Joseph, by the SORROW of thy heart caused by the fear of the tyrant Archelaus and by the JOY in sharing the company of Jesus and Mary at Nazareth, obtain for us, that disengaged from all fear, we may enjoy the peace of a good conscience and may live in security, in union with Jesus and Mary, experiencing the effect of thy salutary assistance at the hour of our death.

In Christ,

Msgr. Baker