The Holy Family's Love and Forgiveness (1) When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, tormenting anxieties filled his heart, because Mary was silence about the matter. Although initially he did wonder whether Mary has violated her fidelity, but he refused to believe it because this did not add up with Her great virtue and perfection that he saw in Her whom only a saint will show, yet he did not know by whom or how it was caused. However, God wished to perfect Joseph’s virtues ‘as gold is tested in the fire’ by hiding this Mystery from him for a while. Two months passed by, poor Joseph eventually overcame by this great tribulation, what should he do? He could have out of jealousy and anger and in the name of ‘justice’, let Mary be condemned by everyone and put to death. But his uprightness, and the high esteem and love he had for Mary, made him rather put himself at a disadvantage instead of others. He rather let the person go than watch a possibly-innocent being killed. He argued with himself: ‘…I do not wish to injure Her reputation of holiness by involving Her in the punishment of the law; yet at the same time I cannot stand by and witness the consequences of her pregnancy.’ He also prayed to God: "...I find no way to restore my peace. In order to choose the least evil I will withdraw from Her and seek a place where no one knows me and, resigning myself to thy Providence, I will pass my life in a desert...” This good man even went the extra mile of vowing to go to the temple of Jerusalem and offer up a part of the small sum of money which he had provided for his journey, so that God might help and protect Mary from the calamities of men and free Her from all misfortune. Can we even match this in our lives?  (Reference: The Mystical City of God, Ven Mary of Agreda)

God our Loving Father, we thank you for the life and testimony of men and women whom you have called to serve you as sisters, brothers, religious priests, consecrated virgins, hermits and members of Secular Institutes. Help them to be more and more rooted in you by following the evangelical counsels. We pray for those of them discerning their vocation, grant them the strength to respond to your call courageously.  We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.’  (Matthew 5:3-12a)