Page:Stalphonsuspraye00ligu.djvu/347

 Bernardine of  Siena  says,  is  the  dispenser  of  all  the graces which  God  grants  to  men,  in  what  profusion must we  not  believe  that  she  showered  them  down upon her  spouse,  whom  she  loved  so  much,  and  by whom  she  was  so  tenderly  loved!


 * St. Joseph,  increase  my  devotion  to  Mary.

he two  disciples  going  to  Emmaus  were  inflamed with  divine  love  by  the  few  moments which they  spent  in  company  with  Our Saviour, and  by  His  words. What flames  of  holy love must  we  not  suppose  to  have  been  enkindled  in the  heart  of  St.  Joseph,  who  for  thirty  years  conversed with  Jesus  Christ,  and  listened  to  His  words of eternal  life;  who  observed  the  perfect  example which He  gave  of  humility  and  patience,  and  saw  the promptitude with  which  He  obeyed  and  helped  him in his  labors,  and  in  all  that  was  needed  for  the household!


 * St. Joseph,  inflame  us  with  the  love  of  Jesus.

HE apostle  writes  that  in  the  next  life  Jesus Christ "  will  render  to  every  man  according to  his  works"  (Rom.  ii.  6). What great glory must  we  not  suppose  that  He  bestowed  upon St. Joseph,  who  served  and  loved  Him  so  much whilst He  lived  on  earth! Our Lord  has  promised a reward  to  him  who  gives  a  cup  of  cold  water  to  the poor in  His  name;  what,  then, .must  be  the  reward of St.  Joseph,  who  can  say  to  Jesus  Christ:  "  I  not only  provided  Thee  with  food,  with  a  dwelling,  and with  clothes;  but  I  saved  Thee  from  death,  delivering Thee  from  the  hands  of  Herod"!


 * St Joseph,  do  thou  animate  our  zeal  for  growing in  virtue  by  the  hope  of  eternal  rewards.