March 19, 2018 Monday of the 5th Week in Lent-B ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16

Psalm 89

Romans 4:13, 16-18,22

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him… Mt. 1:24

Lord, of all the people in our scriptures Joseph stands out as one of the most wondrous of all.  He doesn’t speak a word that is recorded yet he stands tall among the people of faith.  In the spirit of his ancestors Abraham and David, Joseph was dedicated to God and trusted in His plan even when it went against human reason.  He also must have loved Mary so much because he stood by her and protected her from shame and disgrace when easier and less risky options were available to him.  The bottom line is: Joseph’s faith guided his actions.   Lord, so often when faced with difficult decisions and big choices I take the easy way out.  I choose a course because it’s what benefits me the most.  Help me, dear Jesus, to have the faith Joseph had.  Make my heart open to your will and then move me to be obedient to whatever it is you want me to do.  Lord, I bring you all my plans and expectations.  Show me your way.  Amen.