An important maxim in Christian tradition affirms simply lex orandi, lex credendi that can be rendered “The law of praying is the law of believing.” 

Suppose that you served on the committee that debated the choice of the week to honor St. Joseph.  What day would you pick?

All of us have probably seen a representation of that statue that sits on the desk of Pope Francis—the sleeping Joseph. 

All of us have probably seen a representation of that statue that sits on the desk of Pope Francis—the sleeping Joseph. 

Remember the Exodus instructions to the people Israel in the desert?  Each morning, they may collect only enough “manna” to feed them for the day (Exod 16:4-15). 

Mary knew Joseph.  As we are attentive to her, we learn about the one who stood beside her for much of her life. 

Mary knew Joseph.  As we are attentive to her, we learn about the one who stood beside her for much of her life. 

The Babylonians destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem in 587 BC and took most of the people of Israel into captivity—moving them from their ancestral home to foreign lands.  Psalm 137 engages the feelings of those displaced persons.

Psalm 19 points in a similar direction and enables us to continue to reflect on Joseph as a just man in relation to the law of his people.

Do you want to hear Joseph pray?  You might begin with Psalm 1.