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1. Joseph, the Husband of Mary

Consideration: Though Mary was ever a Virgin, Joseph was her true husband in the full sense of the word. His marriage with Mary was a sacred covenant by which he and Mary gave themselves to each other. Mary really belonged to Joseph with all she was and had. He had a right to her love and obedience; and no other person so won her esteem, obedience and love. Joseph was also the protector and witness of Mary’s virginity. By their marriage they gave to each other their virginity, and also the mutual right over it – a right to safeguard the other’s virtue. This mutual virginity too belonged to the divine plan of the Incarnation, for God sent his angel to assure Joseph that motherhood and virginity in Mary could be united.

Scripture Text Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, and of her was born Jesus who was called Christ, writes Matthew.(Mt 1:16)  (Pause for reflection)

Prayers -Dear St Joseph, you were much concerned about the good name of Mary, so much so when you were faced with a dilemma, you would not expose her to public knowledge, but you thought of putting her away secretly. Obtain for us that same delicate concern for the reputation of others. R/ St Joseph, pray for us. -Glorious St Joseph, when Mary was in the family way, you, unmindful of your comforts and conveniences, tried to make things as convenient as possible for Mary. Obtain for us the grace to be persons for others, even if it means some sacrifice of our own convenience. R/ -Loving St Joseph, given the eminent role of Mary in the plan of salvation, when she was exalted and praised, far from feeling slighted or ignored, or jealous in the least, you were content to be in the background, though you played your part to the fullest. Obtain for us the same spirit of rejoicing in the good of others. R/ -O dear St Joseph, your love for Mary was based on your esteem for her as Mother of God. After God and the divine Child you loved no one as much as her, and she responded to this love. Obtain for all spouses a similar love for each other, so that their marriage bond may always remain strong and indissoluble, we pray. R/ Let us Pray: Dear St Joseph, I thank God for your privilege of being the virginal husband of Mary. Obtain for me the grace to love Jesus with all my heart, as you did, and to love Mary with some of the tenderness and loyalty with which you loved them. R/ Amen.