CONSIDERATION.
No other saint ever has partaken, or will partake, of the joy which has fallen to the lot of St Joseph-the perfect joy of his life and death. Not only did he have our Lady as his constant companion and helpmate for thirty years, but for the same space of time he lived under the same roof as Jesus, in the sweetest familiarity with Him. It is true that he had to labor in the sweat of his brow to support the family of whom he had the charge, and he was not exempted from tribulation; but the thought that he was working for Jesus, that Jesus was looking on at his fatigue and labor, made them light, or rather changed them into a delight. His life in this valley of tears was like a foretaste of Paradise. And then his death! Oh, how sweet it was, how full of consolation and confidence! He died in the arms of Jesus and Mary. We need say no more.
APPLICATION.
You envy the happiness of St. Joseph, but do you not share it? Is not our Lady your Mother and special protectress? Are you not living under the same roof with Jesus, always near you in the Blessed Sacrament? Cannot you also speak familiarly at all hours with Him? Is it not also for Him, and beneath His eyes, that you labor, that you endure so many privations and trials? Has He not promised you eternal life as the price of your sacrifice? And ought not this promise to drive out of your mind all those fears of death which sometimes beset you? Besides, what may you not hope from the protection of St. Joseph, the special patron of a good death, after having invoked and honored him during your whole life, after having spent your strength in the service of Jesus, whom he loved so well on earth, and from whom he can obtain all things in heaven? At the thought of these marks of resemblance that you have with St. Joseph, enlarge your heart, and be filled with joy; and to obtain still greater protection from the saint, consecrate yourself to him again on this his beautiful feast; promise him to make fresh efforts to imitate his humility, obedience, and patience, his diligence in labor, his resignation, and piety; renew your intention of performing certain devotions in his honor; particularly that of invoking him often as the patron of a good death by the indulgenced prayer, "Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony."
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The Perfect Happiness of St. Joseph