Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for
Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
March 19, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031924.cfm
Consecration to St. Joseph
Someone gave me the book Consecration to St. Joseph, The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father (Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC). I began the 33-day retreat hoping it would touch my life as the Consecration to Mother Mary did eight years ago. Did it ever! When I made the Consecration to Mother Mary, she became real to me. I don’t know how to describe it other than saying she is by my side 24-7. The same thing happened when I completed the 33 Days to St. Joseph. He gives me the confidence and trust that it doesn’t all depend on me.
Since my consecration to St. Joseph, I have confidence that he will lead me and the parish/school like he led Mother Mary and Jesus to Bethlehem and Egypt. But think of the dangers St. Joseph faced in that 200-mile walk to Egypt: Robbers, wild animals, depending on other people’s hospitality. God chose St. Joseph to lead and protect the spouse of the Holy Spirit and God’s own Son. God chooses him to be our father and guardian in life, too.
Many saints and popes believe that all the gifts and power of intercession the individual saints are given are combined in St. Joseph. He is a human father who worthily stands in place of God our Father in guidance, protection, and doing our Heavenly Father’s will.
Challenge:
I encourage you to make this consecration to St. Joseph if you haven’t had the opportunity. He stands ready to lead and guide you in bringing your family up worthy of God in this godless world. So, join me and others journeying with St. Joseph through life’s joys and sorrows.
St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
St. Joseph, the spouse of Mother Mary and our foster father, pray for us.
Ignite the Fire
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
For your convenience, The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available every evening during Lent, starting on March 22 from 6-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Wed., April 5.
Please join us for a Penance Service on Tuesday, March 21, when several priests will hear Confessions.
No confessions will be heard from Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday. Please take advantage of this opportunity.