Fr Paul reads from Matthew’s Gospel (1: 16, 18-21, 24) where Joseph accepts Jesus as his son.

In today’s Gospel, Fr Paul says the reality of today’s feast, is that we know nothing of St Joseph except what is said about him in the scriptures. We know Joseph was a carpenter, he accepted the will of God, he supported Mary, he brought up Jesus and he was a good and responsible father. Otherwise, Joseph is widely venerated as the patron of artists and workers in general and is an inspiration to those who are parents who adopt children.

Fr Paul thought for today’s reflection he would the St Joseph prayer.

To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our afflictions, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.

Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.

As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.