St. Joseph, as we have seen, earned his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. When Jesus grew up and was stronger, He helped His father, and tradition tells us that the Blessed Virgin was not idle. She sewed and embroidered in order that they might live. The lot of the laborer is always hard, and St. Joseph's life, beyond the consolations of religion, was no exception. Day after day work was necessary, and pleasures and recreations few. That Joseph was of the royal house of David was forgotten because he was poor; had he been rich people would have honored him, would have given him political prominence. Let us also sanctify our labors; Joseph's work made him holy, because it was honest work, done with a good intention and in the spirit of prayer. Prayer and work were the constant employment of St. Joseph; this is the way that God wishes us to spend our time. He wishes us to pursue an active, laborious life, while we keep our eyes on Him.
Prayer.
Holy St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, etc., etc.
Twenty-ninth Day.
The whole life of St. Joseph is a perfect model of a Christian life, a life which we must necessarily lead in order to go to heaven; a life of piety and faithful fulfilment of the duties of our station, and the performance of our daily actions in the best manner. In this way St. Joseph reached heaven, and we cannot [pg 124] choose another road. Joseph did nothing extraordinary in a worldly sense; he was no king, with great command of men; he was not a literary man; but he was great, because he made himself, with the grace of God, a great saint. He lived a simple life as far as possible, he strove to perfect himself more and more in the presence of Jesus, his daily companion, and consequently he was always impressed with the omnipresence of God, before Whom he walked in the simplicity of his heart all the days of his life. He is the best model of obedience to Jesus and Mary. In his life we can find a great example of all Christian virtues.
Prayer.
Holy St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, etc., etc.