Man of Peace and Joy

St. Joseph was a man of peace and joy. It must have been an inconceivable grace to live in the presence of the Son of God and the Mother of God and to participate in God's plan of salvation. Through this prayer to St. Joseph, let us prepare for tomorrow's consecration day by asking for a share in the peace and joy that he experienced in his earthly life and now experiences in the eternal bliss of heaven.

Dear St. Joseph, I know the Bible doesn't speak directly of your joy, but how could you not have been full of joy? I'm sure you were. You lived in the presence of Jesus and Mary. Well, St. Joseph, please pray for me that I will also find my joy by also living in their presence. And having yourself lived in their presence, you must have been a man of such peace. St. Joseph, please pray for me that I keep my joy and not give in to sadness, laziness, or discouragement. Also, pray that I keep my peace of soul and not hold on to anger and bitterness in my heart. Help me to be merciful to everyone by offering forgiveness that I might also, like you, be a man of true peace and joy.^xxiii

Daily Challenge

Surrender your deepest worries, concerns and fears, entrusting them to God as you ask for this gift of the peace and joy of Christ that surpasses all understanding.