19 Mar – Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Joseph is a descendant of the house of David. A layman and a carpenter, he was the earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and foster and adoptive father of Jesus Christ. He was a visionary who was visited by angels, and is noted for his willingness to immediately get up and do what God told him.
Prayer to St. Joseph
Blessed Joseph, husband of Mary, be with us this day.
You protected and cherished the Virgin;
loving the Child Jesus as your Son,
you rescued Him from the danger of death.
Defend the Church, the household of God,
purchased by the blood of Christ.
Guardian of the Holy Family,
be with us in our trials.
May your prayers obtain for us
the strength to flee from error
and wrestle with the powers of corruption
so that in life we may grow in holiness
and in death rejoice in the crown of victory.
Amen.
- Patron Saint Index
2 Sam 7:4-5,12-14,16
Rm 4:13,16-18,22
Mt 1:16,18-21,24
That is why what fulfils the promise depends on faith, so that it may be a free gift…
We recently concluded Prayer Experience Retreat #34 just over two weeks ago. Personally, I am still amazed at the miracles He worked among the retreatants as some of them came up to share their testimonies over the course of the three days. I was blessed and privileged to have been part of the worship team and, as usual, having to rely totally on God to lead us and guide us.
Because despite all the prep and discernment of songs for the three days, we had the usual ‘unforseen situations’ that, quite honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to solve/fix/rectify. All that I could do, as worship leader, was to trust 100% that God would make a way for all of us. And He certainly did not disappoint. His promptings were strong and His hand in guiding us out of some of the situations was apparent.
In the end, the three days passed by quickly and as we were all packing up, I picked up a scripture scroll from a ‘tree of life’ that was put up by the intercessory prayer group. He basically encouraged me to take up His cross and follow Him. In my mind, that is what my upcoming journey to Spain on the Camino Primitivo will be – a walk of faith that I embark on in total confidence that He will provide for me, despite not knowing what lies ahead.
Just as He continues to shine His light into my life during this season of pruning and shedding, I have begun to appreciate how His hand appears whenever I am in need. Without Him, I know the past few months would have been torturous and, in normal circumstances, a time of desolation. But He has sent forth angels to walk with me, given me the time that I need to recharge and reflect. And somehow, afforded me the grace to lead worship at a retreat and an overnight vigil.
It has been during those times when I have witnessed His mighty hand working among the music and service teams, as well as among the retreatants and congregation. I believe it is some form of ‘just reward’ for the work that we all put in as ministry members. Difficult to fathom for some, but when we are immersed in His presence at prayer sessions or during masses, He truly never fails to astound and amaze.
So today, as we commemorate the life of St Joseph, a humble carpenter, let us never question if what we give to the Lord is never worthy. He takes everything that we give, no matter how minute, and transforms it into grace that He reveals to us in our daily lives. We just have to learn to be attuned and to discern His presence…and expect Him to show up.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: We pray for you, dear heavenly Father, to always bless us and be with us as we toil in your vineyard. Show us your face in the people we meet and grace us with fruits that only you can give us in times of struggle and in times of celebration.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Abba Father, for being a generous, loving and merciful God to each and every one of us.
OXYGEN 
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