Thought for the Day – 17 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
17th Day – St Joseph’s Fifth Joy.
Seeing the Idols of Egypt Fall to the Ground
+1. When the Holy Family had crossed the desert and arrived at the place of their abode in Egypt, tradition records a miracle. The idols in the temples are said to have fallen prostrate on the very night of their arrival.
The news filled Joseph’s heart with joy. The one thought of Joseph’s life was to further the influence of Jesus. His one joy was to see Jesus vanquish His enemies and gather to Himself men of goodwill.
+2. This joy in the power of the Son of God, was a recompense for the sorrow he felt, at His apparent helplessness when he was commanded to carry the God-Child to Egypt. Then it seemed as if He were utterly feeble against His enemies but now, the Omnipotence of His Divinity manifests itself by unmistakable signs.
So it is with those who trust in God under difficult circumstances. It seems as if He were unable or unwilling to save them but He will reward their patient confidence, by some glorious surprise they had not even ventured to hope for.
+3. Christ’s task is always to destroy idols.
In my heart there are many idols – sloth, sensuality, selfishness, impatience, anger, neglect of religious duties, unkindness to others, self-love, disobedience and worst of all, pride! If Jesus is to dwell within me, these idols must be overthrown and pride above all. It is a difficult task, as long as they hold sway within my heart.
O good St Joseph, bring Jesus and His love and cast these hateful itruders which Jesus hates, out of my heart.
AnaStpaul 