Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for Us
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
– Matthew 1:20-21
Mass Reading Reflection Podcast
Why Is This Quiet Saint the “Terror of Demons?”
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Tatiana Federoff
EpicPew.com
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If pride is the root of all sin, then humility is the root of all virtues. Quiet Joseph was absolutely humble. He didn’t see Mary’s pregnancy as an insult worthy of retribution, and because he “did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matt 1:19). Then, when the angel comes to tell him that the child Mary is carrying is the promised Messiah, Joseph is the first man in the scriptures to follow the angel’s words unquestioningly. In contrast, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, doubted God’s word in his pride, as if he had a right to understanding God’s reasoning. But Joseph obeys instantly, as soon as he wakes up the next morning. He’s not afraid of people talking, as they inevitably will. He’s not afraid of his own lack of understanding of God’s will. He’s humble enough to simply do what he is asked.
This humility is the core reason why Joseph is the terror of demons.
(5 Minute Read)
The Symbols of St. Joseph—What do they mean?
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Fr. Michael Van Sloun
Virtual St. Joseph Altar
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A Carpenter’s Square
The gospel indicates that Joseph was a carpenter: “Is he [Jesus] not the carpenter’s son?” (Mt 13:55). A square is an indispensable tool of the trade for carpenters, a two-sided instrument in a 90 degree angle used to form right angles, and it is the tool most frequently used to represent St. Joseph.
Other Carpenter’s Tools
Other tools associated with St. Joseph include a hammer, a saw, an axe, a planer, and a workbench. St. Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters and workers.
A White Lily or One or Three White Flowers
The whiteness of the flower represents Joseph’s virtue, holiness, innocence, and obedience to God: “he did as the angel commanded” (Mt 1:24; see also Mt 2:14,21,22). The white flower also represents his faithfulness to Mary, as well as his chastity and sexual purity because he respected her virginity and remained celibate throughout their marriage: “he had no relations with her” (Mt 1:25a).
(2 Minute Read)
Feeling Inspired? Craft your own St. Joseph flowering staff with your children!
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JenMarie @ Catholic Inspired
Catholic activities for kids
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Supplies Needed:
- 5 or more green pipe cleaners
- 5 yellow pipe cleaners (orange will work, too)
- 5 sheets of white paper
- 1 sheet of green paper
- A walking stick from outside (A wooden rod from a craft store will also work, but you may want to paint/stain it brown.)
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Tape and/or Glue
- Hot Glue (maybe)
Speaking of kid-friendly, how about a humerous video explanation of St. Joseph?
Lastly, let us call upon the intercession of St. Joseph as we continue this weekend with days 3 and 4 of the Annunciation Novena:
Annunciation Novena in Preparation for Consecration of Ukraine and Russia – Day 3 (Saturday) and Day 4 (Sunday)
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen ✝
I greet you, Ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Throne of Grace, miracle of Almighty Power! I greet you, Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity and Queen of the Universe, Mother of Mercy and refuge of sinners!
Most loving Mother, attracted by your beauty and sweetness, and by your tender compassion, I confidently turn to you, miserable as I am, and beg of you to obtain for me from your dear Son the favor I request in this novena: for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to your Immaculate Heart.
Obtain for me also, Queen of heaven, the most lively contrition for my many sins and the grace to imitate closely those virtues which you practiced so faithfully, especially humility, purity and obedience. Above all, I beg you to be my Mother and Protectress, to receive me into the number of your devoted children, and to guide me from your high throne of glory.
Do not reject my petitions, Mother of Mercy! Have pity on me, and do not abandon me during life or at the moment of my death. Amen.
Finally, a St. Joseph meme for you 🤫
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ChurchPOP
Catholic Christian culture that's inspirational, informative and fun
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“St. Joseph did not do extraordinary things, but rather by the constant practice of ordinary and common virtues, he attained that sanctity which elevates him above all the other saints.” -St. Joseph Marello
Dear Saint Joseph, Please Pray for Us!
See you Monday 👋
A.M.D.G.