Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my many sins; to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, prudence and patience, never surrendering to weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.
Post Views: 20,665
catholicamen.com
It’s easy to get complacent in our places of employment, to work for the weekends or to collect a paycheck that helps us live “real” life outside of the workplace. But work should never be meaningless drudgery, nor should it be separate and contained from other aspects of our life. It should rather be an act of loving service to God, bringing glory to him who is our Maker.Work isn’t a curse, it is ordained by God and is a holy duty. Our heavenly Father himself taught us how to work and rest, and even in Paradise, where there was no pain or sorrow, our first parents worked joyfully, tending the earth and keeping it.
St. Joseph, the Guardian of our Redeemer, also worked with his hands and taught the child Jesus his craft of carpentry. Indeed, St. Joseph teaches us that working silently for Jesus and Mary is the highest calling of every man. We should learn from our humble model, St. Joseph, to have no greater happiness than to work, and to work well as an act of sacrificial love.
Here, then, is a prayer to St. Joseph, asking his intercession for a good and holy work day. I have begun to pray it daily, and I invite you to as well.
O Glorious Saint Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in a spirit of penance for the expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations; to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, never shrinking from weariness and trials; to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, keeping unceasingly before my eyes death and the account that I must give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch, Saint Joseph. Such shall be my watch-word in life and in death. Amen.
– Composed by Pope St. Pius X
Related
www.catholicgentleman.net
From A Catholic Prayer Book
FREE: Powerful Prayers Booklet
America’s favorite and most affordable prayer booklet. Perfect for everyday use: includes with dozens of timeless classics. Dozens of timeless classics, Mass prayers, novenas, and more. FREE: Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet CD
America’s #1 Rosary CD. The perfect everyday Rosary, the History of the Rosary, the Truth About Mary, and more. America’s #1 Rosary CD is perfect for everyday use.
Let us pray. Direct, O Lord, we beseech you, all our actions by your holy inspirations, and carry them on by your gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours may begin always from you, and by you be happily ended. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Hail Mary. Glory be.
V. Seat of wisdom,
R. Pray for us.
V. Saint N.,
R. Pray for us.
V. Bless us, O Virgin Mary,
R. With thy Holy Child.
www.catholicity.com