Page 173 - Reflections on St. Joseph

7. The Presentation of Jesus (Lk 2:22-35). As the Holy Spouses fulfill all the prescriptions of
the Law of the Lord in offering the pure child in the temple, they rejoice at Simeon’s prophecy
of light for the nations and they grieve at the thought of the sword of rejection.

8. The Flight to and Return from Egypt (Mt 2:13-15). The newborn King depends on Joseph
to protect him from the bloody earthly king. Returning from Egypt, the Son of God establishes
the New Covenant, leading us from the slavery of sin into the new promised land, his kingdom.

9. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-50). At the age of twelve Jesus stays behind in
the temple, amazing the teachers by his understanding. His parents, Joseph and Mary, first
are anguished at his being lost and then are confronted with the mystery of Jesus’ reference
to the temple as his “Father’s house.”

10. The Hidden Life at Nazareth (Lk 2:51-52; 3:23). The Incarnate Son of God for thirty years
lives obedient to his parents in an
ordinary, hidden life of prayer, family,
and work, before beginning his public
ministry. Mary and Joseph secretly
ponder and guard the mystery of God
sanctifying our everyday lives17 and
calling us to holiness in the ordinary.

With Pope John Paul II, we are “convinced
that by reflecting upon the way that
Mary’s spouse shared in the divine
mystery, the Church … will be able to
discover every anew her own identity
within this redemptive plan, which is
founded on the mystery of the
Incarnation.” 18

When might this Rosary be prayed?

One suggestion is to use the Holy Spouses
Rosary on the days suggested for the
19
joyful mysteries, perhaps mysteries 1-5
on Mondays and mysteries 6-10 on
Saturdays. With this suggestion, the
luminous, sorrowful, and glorious
mysteries of the Marian Rosary would be
prayed on the remaining days, as
indicated. However, individuals, couples,
families, and communities may also pray
the Holy Spouses Rosary whenever most
suited to them. This may range from one
to ten mysteries daily or weekly. One
might also give special attention to the
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Reflections on st. joseph