Monday, March 19, 2007

Happy Feast of St. Joseph!

I have always felt such a special fondness for St. Joseph, the tender, loving, devoted husband to the Blessed Virgin Mary and gentle foster father to her Son, Jesus. But it was only after Darren and I married and became parents ourselves that I began to truly appreciate the affection and obedience he displayed during his life as the head of his most Holy Family. He is a perfect model that Darren and I continue to look to as an example of how to raise our own family, and today we will be celebrating his feast day by reflecting on his life of service and by baking some some soft pretzels, as found at Women for Faith and Family.

From today's Gospel:


Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “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.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

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A blessed day to you, friends!

3 comments:

He who wears the most black wins. said...

A blessed day to you as well, friend.

Steve chose St. Joseph as his saint when we has baptised last Easter. This is a really special saint for our family as well. :)

God love you all-

Beth said...

Hi Melissa, I was reading Danielle Bean's cosleeping post and saw that you teach people how to cosleep safely. Would you mind visiting my blog and giving me some tips when you get a chance? We have a two week old who has slept with us every night so far - even in the hospital. I sleep on top of the comforter with a blanket and keep her on my side of the bed. I put her in a onesie and a sleep sack. I love it so far because she sleeps for a good 3 hours next to me and nurses great. But all my friends are recommending against this. Thanks Melissa!

Beth said...

Thank you so much for the comments! I will have to get a copy of Dr. Sears' book. I did read some articles of his online and sent one to my mom too!

If you have any more advice, I'd love it! For example - when and how do you transition each child to their own crib and/or bed? (Not that I'm in a hurry... but my Goddaughter still sleeps with her parents and she's going to be 9!)