Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Sheila Briody
With joy you are ever at home in my Heart, as I have always lived in yours. (Ps.60)
Opening Prayer
Loving God, you have called me as a follower of Joseph to stand open, receptive and expectant before You, to know my dependence upon You,
to wait for Your grace in the Holy Spirit. Liberate me to a radical sense of mission through the rhythm of contemplation and courageous action, to be a healing presence in any and all situations. Amen. (SSJ Federation Research Team, adapted)
Reading
During this Month of October, we remember our SSJ Founders and their devotion to Joseph. He is our model, protector and inspiration for following the Great Love of God.
Joseph, you taught us how to remain sensitive to God’s presence in the reality around us. Core Const. #4, adapted
Joseph, you taught us to lead a life dedicated to the love and service of God in the love and service of the dear neighbor. Core Const. #10, adapted
Joseph, you taught us to follow after Jesus’ self-emptying and obedience so we may die to our false self and live in God for others. Core Const. #5, adapted
Joseph, you taught us to discern the action and call of God in our lives so that we may share in God’s holiness, justice and truth. Core Const. #35, adapted
Joseph, your life inspires us to develop an asceticism through our daily lives that involves a continual search for ways to respond more fully to the Spirit and to allow God’s love to be more visible in us. Core Const. #31, adapted
Joseph, you inspired us to work to alleviate the conditions which cause poverty, suffering and oppression. Core Const. #12, adapted
Joseph, like yourself, we want to respond to the needs of our times, and undertake whatever works may best show forth the glory of God. Core Const. #12, adapted
Joseph, you taught us to live so our Congregation shall bear the name of the Great Love of God. Core Constitution, adapted
Reflection
Now take some time for personal reflection.
How has reflection on St. Joseph inspired you?
Pray the names the men and women who have modeled faithfulness in your life?
Closing Prayer
Remain ever before me, O Living Presence, for in You I am safe. You are my Beloved; in You I can do all things. Psalm 27
Reminder
My enthusiasm and the energy I expend for God’s cause are proportionate to the love for God I have in my heart. If I am “madly in love,” I will do great things for God. (Paraphrase of Maxims of Perfection, Olivier)