Evening Prayer I
The Feast of St. Joseph
Husband of Mary
March 19
______
Opening Processional Chant:
Joseph + was the husband of Mary, *
who gave birth to Jesus called Messiah.
The angel Gabriel + was sent from God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David; *
the virgin's name was Mary.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, + was betrothed to Joseph; *
before they came together, she found that she was with child by the Holy Spirit.
Being a man of principle, + yet wanting to save her from exposure, *
Joseph desired to have the marriage set aside quietly.
Do not be afraid + to take Mary home with you as your wife. *
It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived the child.
O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us Gk. Hagios Theos, hagios ischyros, hagios athanatos,
Eleison imas Latin. Sanctus Deus, sanctus fortis, sanctus et immortalis
Miserere nobis.
Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24
VESPERS HYMN:
O Joseph, heav'nly hosts your worthiness proclaim,
and Christendom conspires to celebrate your fame;
for you in purest bonds were to the virgin bound.
How glorious is your name renowned!
But when with grief you saw your spouse about to bear,
you were oppressed with doubt and filled with wond'ring care;
at length the angel's word your anxious heart relieved:
she by the Spirit has conceived.
You with your newborn Lord sought out far Egypt's land,
as fugitives you fled over the desert sand.
The Lord, while lost a while, is in the temple found,
while tears are shed and joys abound.
O Holy Trinity, your suppliant servants spare;
grant us to rise to heaven upheld by Joseph's prayer,
and so our grateful hearts to you shall ever raise
exulting canticles of praise.
Melody: Joseph; Music: Carl Fortunato; Text: Traditional, from Latin
PSALMODY
Antiphon: Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. She gave birth to Jesus who is called Christ.
Psalm 113 Laudate, pueri
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!
May the name of the Lord be blessed
both now and for evermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
praised be the name of the Lord!
High above all nations is the Lord,
above the heavens his glory.
Who is like the Lord, our God,
who has risen on high to his throne
yet stoops from the heights to look down,
to look down upon heaven and earth?
From the dust he lifts up the lowly,
from the dungheap he raises the poor
to set them in the company of princes,
yes, with the princes of his people.
To the childless wife he gives a home
and gladdens her heart with children.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon: Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. She gave birth to Jesus who is called Christ.
Antiphon: The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph.
Psalm 146 Lauda, anima mea
My soul, give praise to the Lord;
I will praise the Lord all my days,
make music to my God while I live.
Put no trust in princes,
In mortal men in whom there is no help.
Take their breath, they return to clay
and their plans that day come to nothing.
He is happy who is helped by Jacob's God,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who alone made heaven and earth,
the seas and all they contain.
It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,
who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,
the Lord, who sets prisoners free,
the Lord who gives sight to the blind,
who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger
and upholds the widow and orphan.
It is the Lord who loves the just
but thwarts the path of the wicked.
The Lord will reign for ever,
Zion's God, from age to age.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon: The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph.
Genesis 49:22-26
'Joseph is a fruitful bough,
a fruitful bough by a spring;
his branches run over the wall.
The archers fiercely attacked him;
they shot at him and pressed him hard.
Yet his bow remained taut,
and his arms were made agile
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,
by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
by the God of your father, who will help you,
by the Almighty who will bless you
with blessings of heaven above,
blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
The blessings of your father
are stronger than the blessings of the eternal mountains,
the bounties of the everlasting hills;
may they be on the head of Joseph,
on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.
Antiphon: Mary the mother of Jesus was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Canticle – Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ *
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him *
before the world began
to be holy *
and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us *
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure, †
that all might praise the glorious favor *
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous *
is God's favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom *
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased *
to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out *
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him, *
in the heavens and on earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon: Mary the mother of Jesus was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:1-16
An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
RESPONSORY
The just man shall blossom like the lily. The just man shall blossom like the lily.
He shall flourish forever in the courts of our God, like the lily.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit The just man shall blossom like the lily.
Magnificat
Antiphon: This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the Lord has set over his household.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon: This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the Lord has set over his household.
INTERCESSIONS
All fatherhood in heaven and on earth has its origin in God.
Let us turn to him and pray: Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
All-holy Father, you revealed to St. Joseph
your eternal plan of salvation in Christ,
- deepen our understanding of your Son, true God and true man.
Father in heaven, you feed the birds of the air
and clothe the fields with the fruit of the earth,
- give all your children their daily bread
to sustain soul and body.
Maker of the universe, you have entrusted your creation to our safekeeping,
- may all who work receive a just reward for their labors.
God of all righteousness, you want us all to be like you,
- May St. Joseph inspire us all to walk always in your way of holiness.
Look kindly on the dying and dead, and grant them your mercy,
- through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Our Father…
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Office of Readings
The Feast of St. Joseph
Husband of Mary
March 19
______
Lord open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us Gk. Hagios Theos, hagios ischyros, hagios athanatos,
Eleison imas Latin. Sanctus Deus, sanctus fortis, sanctus et immortalis
Miserere nobis.
HYMN
Look down to us, Saint Joseph,
Protector of Our Lord,
Who followed you through deserts,
And gave you blessed reward;
Our foes are yet about us,
Be strength now at our side,
Be light against the darkness.
Saint Joseph, be our guide!
We venerate your justice,
The gospels praise your name,
You are the saint all humble,
Who gained eternal fame;
In your devoted family
Our souls in trust confide,
Direct our way to heaven.
Saint Joseph, be our guide.
Invitatory (either here or at Morning Prayer)
Antiphon: Let us praise Christ the Lord as we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph.
95 Venite, exultemus
1
Come, let us sing to the LORD; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with Psalm.
3
For the LORD is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
4
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
5
The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
6
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7
For he is our God,
Tand we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
8
Today, if you would hear his voice *
Harden not your hearts.
Antiphon: Let us praise Christ the Lord as we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph.
The Psalter
Ant. 1: The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; she will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
21:1-7,14 Domine, in virtute tua
1
The king rejoices in your strength, O LORD; *
how greatly he exults in your victory!
2
You have given him his heart's desire; *
you have not denied him the request of his lips.
3
For you meet him with blessings of prosperity, *
and set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him: *
length of days, for ever and ever.
5
His honor is great, because of your victory; *
splendor and majesty have you bestowed upon him.
6
For you will give him everlasting felicity *
and will make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7
For the king puts his trust in the LORD; *
because of the loving-kindness of the Most High, he will not fall.
14
Be exalted, O LORD, in your might; *
we will sing and praise your power.
Ant. 1: The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; she will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
Ant. 2: When he awoke, Joseph did as the angel of the Lord directed him, and took Mary as his wife.
92
Bonum est confiteri
1
It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, *
and to sing praises to your Name, O Most High;
2
To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning *
and of your faithfulness in the night season;
3
On the psaltery, and on the lyre, *
and to the melody of the harp.
4
For you have made me glad by your acts, O LORD; *
and I shout for joy because of the works of your hands.
5
LORD, how great are your works! *
your thoughts are very deep.
6
The dullard does not know,
nor does the fool understand, *
that though the wicked grow like weeds,
and all the workers of iniquity flourish,
7
They flourish only to be destroyed for ever; *
but you, O LORD, are exalted for evermore.
Ant. 2: When he awoke, Joseph did as the angel of the Lord directed him, and took Mary as his wife.
Ant. 3: Joseph left Nazareth and set out for the town of David called Bethlehem to register with Mary.
8
For lo, your enemies, O LORD,
lo, your enemies shall perish, *
and all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
9
But my horn you have exalted like the horns of wild bulls; *
I am anointed with fresh oil.
10
My eyes also gloat over my enemies, *
and my ears rejoice to hear the doom of the wicked who rise up
against me.
11
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, *
and shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon.
12
Those who are planted in the house of the LORD *
shall flourish in the courts of our God;
13
They shall still bear fruit in old age; *
they shall be green and succulent;
14
That they may show how upright the LORD is, *
my Rock, in whom there is no fault.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. 3: Joseph left Nazareth and set out for the town of David called Bethlehem to register with Mary.
The just man shall blossom like the lily.
- He shall flourish forever in the courts of our God,
First Reading
Hebrews 11:1-16
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested. By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain's. Through this he was attested to be righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts, and through this, though dead, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and "he was found no more because God had taken him." Before he was taken up, he was attested to have pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen, with reverence built an ark for the salvation of his household. Through this he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes through faith.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile--for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth, for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. RESPONSORY Romans 4:20,22; James 2:22
He never doubted God's promise
but was strengthened in his faith
and gave glory to God.
- Therefore through faith he was counted as justified.
Faith was at work in his deeds,
and by his deeds his faith became perfect.
- Therefore through faith he was counted as justified. 2nd Reading -
From a sermon by Saint Bernadine of Siena
(Sermo 2, de S. Joseph: Opera 7, 16, 27-30)
The faithful foster-father and guardian
There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfil the task at hand.
This general rule is especially verified in the case of Saint Joseph, the foster-father of our Lord and the husband of the Queen of our world, enthroned above the angels. He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph's wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying: “Good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord”.
What then is Joseph's position in the whole Church of Christ? Is he not a man chosen and set apart? Through him and, yes, under him, Christ was fittingly and honorably introduced into the world. Holy Church in its entirety is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her it was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after her we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to Saint Joseph.
In him the Old Testament finds its fitting close. He brought the noble line of patriarchs and prophets to its promised fulfilment. What the divine goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms.
Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very high honor which he gave him on earth, as a son to his father. Rather we must say that in heaven Christ completes and perfects all that he gave at Nazareth.
Now we can see how the last summoning words of the Lord appropriately apply to Saint Joseph: “Enter into the joy of your Lord”. In fact, although the joy of eternal happiness enters into the soul of a man, the Lord preferred to say to Joseph: “Enter into joy”. His intention was that the words should have a hidden spiritual meaning for us. They convey not only that this holy man possesses an inward joy, but also that it surrounds him and engulfs him like an infinite abyss.
Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen. RESPONSORY See Genesis 45:8; 50:20; Sirach 51:2
God has made me a father to the king
and master of all his household.
- He has raised me up,
that he might save many people.
The Lord is my helper and protector;
he is my savior,
- He has raised me up,
that he might save many people.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Morning Prayer
Feast of St. Joseph
Husband of Mary
March 19
______
Lord open our lips And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Opening Processional Chant:
Joseph + was the husband of Mary, *
who gave birth to Jesus called Messiah.
The angel Gabriel + was sent from God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David; *
the virgin's name was Mary.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, + was betrothed to Joseph; *
before they came together, she found that she was with child by the Holy Spirit.
Being a man of principle, + yet wanting to save her from exposure, *
Joseph desired to have the marriage set aside quietly.
Do not be afraid + to take Mary home with you as your wife. *
It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived the child.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us Gk. Hagios Theos, hagios ischyros, hagios athanatos,
Eleison imas Latin. Sanctus Deus, sanctus fortis, sanctus et immortalis
Miserere nobis.
2 Samuel 7:28-29 Lord God, you are God and your words are truth; you have made this generous promise to your servant. Do, then, bless the house of your servant that it may be before you forever; for you, Lord God, have promised, and by your blessing the house of your servant shall be blessed forever.
MATINS HYMN 11.11.11.5 Joseph, whose glory fills the Chuirch with praises,
spouse of the Virgin, Jesus' foster father,
from the Almighty came your high vocation,
best of protectors.
When the Redeemer, whom the prophets' chorus
long had predicted, lay within the manger,
glad was your spirit, while in adoration
lowly you knelt there.
He who as King reigns over all creation
(feared in the deepest, worshipped in the highest)
veiling his Godhead, humbly gave obedience
to do your bidding.
We praise with fervor God the One and Trinal,
who has endowed you with his grace so bounteous;
oh may he grant us, hearing your petition,
joys everlasting!
Psalmody
Antiphon: The shepherds went in haste and found Joseph and Mary, and the infant lying in the manger.
Psalm 63 Deus, Deus meus
1
O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; *
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
2
Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and your glory.
3
For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall give you praise.
4
So will I bless you as long as I live *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
5
My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6
When I remember you upon my bed, *
and meditate on you in the night watches.
7
For you have been my helper, *
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
8
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon: The shepherds went in haste and found Joseph and Mary, and the infant lying in the manger.
Antiphon: Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, marveled at what was said of their child, and Simeon blessed them.
Psalm 132 Memento, Domine
1
LORD, remember David, *
and all the hardships he endured;
2
How he swore an oath to the LORD *
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3
"I will not come under the roof of my house, *
nor climb up into my bed;
4
I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *
nor let my eyelids slumber;
5
Until I find a place for the LORD, *
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *
we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7
Let us go to God's dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."
8
Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.
9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.
10
For your servant David's sake, *
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
Antiphon: Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, marveled at what was said of their child, and Simeon blessed them.
Antiphon: Joseph rose in the night and took the child and his mother into Egypt. There they stayed until the death of Herod.
11
The LORD has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:
12
"A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.
13
If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."
14
For the LORD has chosen Zion; *
he has desired her for his habitation:
15
"This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
16
I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.
17
I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
18
There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.
19
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine."
Antiphon:Joseph rose in the night and took the child and his mother into Egypt. There they stayed until the death of Herod.
Isaiah 63:7-16
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us,
and the great favour to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, 'Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely';
and he became their saviour
in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
But they rebelled
and grieved his holy spirit;
therefore he became their enemy;
he himself fought against them.
Then they remembered the days of old,
of Moses his servant.
Where is the one who brought them up out of the sea
with the shepherds of his flock?
Where is the one who put within them
his holy spirit,
who caused his glorious arm
to march at the right hand of Moses,
who divided the waters before them
to make for himself an everlasting name,
who led them through the depths?
Like a horse in the desert,
they did not stumble.
Like cattle that go down into the valley,
the spirit of the Lord gave them rest.
Thus you led your people,
to make for yourself a glorious name.
Look down from heaven and see,
from your holy and glorious habitation.
Where are your zeal and your might?
The yearning of your heart and your compassion?
They are withheld from me.
For you are our father,
though Abraham does not know us
and Israel does not acknowledge us;
you, O Lord, are our father;
our Redeemer from of old is your name.
Song of the Three Young Men Benedictus es, Domine
Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Responsory:
God made him master of his household.
- God made him master of his household.
He gave him charge over all his possessions,
- and made him master of his household.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
- God made him master of his household.
Benedictus
Antiphon: Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth to fulfill what the prophets had foretold of Christ; He will be called a Nazarean.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon: Joseph lived in the town of Nazareth to fulfill what the prophets had foretold of Christ; He will be called a Nazarean.
INTERCESSIONS
The Lord is the giver of holiness. Let us turn to him and pray: Holy God, raise us up to new life in holiness.
Lord our God, you called our fathers in faith to walk before you in holiness of heart,
- may we follow in their footsteps, and obey your command to be perfect.
You chose Joseph the righteous to care for your Son in childhood and youth,
- teach us to care for Christ's body by caring for our brother and sisters.
You entrusted the earth to mankind, to people it and make it prosper,
- inspire us to work wholeheartedly in this world, seeking always to give you glory.
Father of all mankind, do not forget what your hands have made,
- grant that all who work may have secure employment and a fitting standard of living.
Our Father…
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
O God, who called your servant Joseph to be the faithful guardian of your incarnate Son, and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to follow his example in constant worship of you and obedience to your commands, that our homes may be sanctified by your presence, and our children nurtured in your fear and love, through the same your son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Daytime Prayer
Feast of St. Joseph
Husband of Mary
March 19
______
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon: The parents of Jesus went each year to the solemn feast of Passover.
Psalm 120 Ad Dominum
To the Lord in the hour of my distress
I call and he answers me.
O Lord, save my soul from lying lips,
from the tongue of the deceitful."
What shall he repay you in return,
O treacherous tongue?
The warriors arrows sharpened
and coals, red-hot, blazing.
Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech,
dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Long enough have I been dwelling
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak,
they are for fighting.
Psalm 121 Levai oculos
I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble!
Let him sleep not, your guard.
No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,
Israel's guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade;
at your right side he stands.
By day the sun shall not smite you
nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil,
he will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming
both now and for ever.
Psalm 122 Laetatus sum
I rejoiced when I heard them say:
Let us go to God's house.
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.
For Israel's law it is,
there to praise the Lord's name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
Peace be to your homes!
For love of my brethren and friends
I say: Peace upon you.
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Antiphon: The parents of Jesus went each year to the solemn feast of Passover. Reading
He has counsel in store for the upright,
he is the shield of those who walk honestly,
Guarding the paths of justice,
protecting the way of his pious ones. - Proverbs 2:7-8
Responsory God made him master of his household. - He gave him charge over all his possessions.
Prayer Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon As they were returning home, the child Jesus remained behind without his parents' knowledge.
Psalm 123 Ad te levavi oculos meos
To you have I lifted up my eyes,
you who dwell in the heavens;
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves
on the hand of their lords.
Like the eyes of a servant
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God
till he show us his mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt.
Indeed all too full is our soul
with the scorn of the rich,
with the proud man's disdain.
Psalm 124 Nisi qua Dominus
If the Lord had not been on our side,
this is Israel's song.
If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept
the raging waters."
Blessed be the Lord who did not give us
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed the snare has been broken
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 125 Qui confidunt
Those who put their trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, that cannot be shaken,
that stands for ever.
Jerusalem! The mountains surround her,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and for ever.
For the scepter of the wicked shall not rest
over the land of the just
for fear that the hands of the just
should turn to evil.
Do good, Lord, to those who are good,
to the upright of heart;
but the crooked and those who do evil,
drive them away!
On Israel, peace!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Antiphon As they were returning home, the child Jesus remained behind without his parents' knowledge.
Reading
Wisdom, when the just man was in flight,
guided him in direct ways,
Showed him the kingdom of God
and gave him knowledge of holy things;
She prospered him in his labors
and made abundant the fruit of his works. - Wisdom 10:10
Responsory
Glory and riches shall be in his house - And his justice shall endure for ever.
Prayer Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon When they could not find Jesus, his parents returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
Psalm 126 In convertendo
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: What marvels
the Lord worked for them!"
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.
Psalm 127 Nisi Dominus
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor;
if the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
Truly sons are a gift from the Lord,
a blessing, the fruit of the womb.
Indeed the sons of youth
are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
O the happiness of the man
who has filled his quiver with these arrows!
He will have no cause for shame
when he disputes with his foes in the gateways.
Psalm 128 Beati omnes
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labor of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper;
the wife like a fruitful vine
in the heart of your house;
Your children like shoots of the olive,
around your table.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
May you see your children's children
in a happy Jerusalem!
On Israel, peace!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Antiphon When they could not find Jesus, his parents returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
Reading
Those who fear the Lord disobey not his words;
those who love him keep his ways.
Those who fear the Lord seek to please him,
those who love him are filled with his law. - Sirach 2:15-16
Responsory
Great is his glory with your saving help - You have crowned him with glory and splendor.
Prayer Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Evening Prayer II
The Feast of St. Joseph
Husband of Mary
March 19
______
Opening Processional Chant:
Joseph + was the husband of Mary, *
who gave birth to Jesus called Messiah.
The angel Gabriel + was sent from God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David; *
the virgin's name was Mary.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, + was betrothed to Joseph; *
before they came together, she found that she was with child by the Holy Spirit.
Being a man of principle, + yet wanting to save her from exposure, *
Joseph desired to have the marriage set aside quietly.
Do not be afraid + to take Mary home with you as your wife. *
It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived the child.
O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us Gk. Hagios Theos, hagios ischyros, hagios athanatos,
Eleison imas Latin. Sanctus Deus, sanctus fortis, sanctus et immortalis
Miserere nobis.
Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24
VESPERS HYMN: 12.12.12.8 O Joseph, heav'nly hosts your worthiness proclaim,
and Christendom conspires to celebrate your fame;
for you in purest bonds were to the virgin bound.
How glorious is your name renowned!
But when with grief you saw your spouse about to bear,
you were oppressed with doubt and filled with wond'ring care;
at length the angel's word your anxious heart relieved:
she by the Spirit has conceived.
You with your newborn Lord sought out far Egypt's land,
as fugitives you fled over the desert sand.
The Lord, while lost a while, is in the temple found,
while tears are shed and joys abound.
O Holy Trinity, your suppliant servants spare;
grant us to rise to heaven uphelp by Joseph's prayer,
and so our grateful hearts to you shall ever raise
exulting canticles of praise.
Antiphon: His parents found Jesus in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions.
Psalm 112 Beatus vir
Happy the man who fears the Lord,
who takes delight in all his commands.
His sons shall be powerful on earth;
the children of the upright are blessed.
Riches and wealth are in his house;
his justice stands firm for ever.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright:
he is generous, merciful and just.
The good man takes pity and lends,
he conducts his affairs with honor.
The just man will never waver:
he will be remembered for ever.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm for ever.
His head will be raised in glory.
The wicked man sees and is angry,
grinds his teeth and fades away;
the desire of the wicked leads to doom.
Antiphon: His parents found Jesus in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions.
Antiphon: The mother of Jesus said to him: Son, why have you done this to us? See how your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.
Psalm 34 1 I will bless the Lord continually *
his praise shall be always in my mouth.
2 Let my soul boast of the Lord *
the humble shall hear it and rejoice.
3 O praise the Lord with me *
let us exalt his name together.
4 For I sought the Lord's help and he answered *
and he freed me from all my fears.
5 Look towards him and be bright with joy *
your faces shall not be ashamed.
6 Here is a wretch who cried, and the Lord heard him *
and saved him from all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps round those who fear him *
and delivers them in their need.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good *
happy the man who hides in him!
9 Fear the Lord, all you his holy ones *
for those who fear him never lack.
10 Lions may suffer want and go hungry *
but those who seek the Lord lack nothing good.
Antiphon: The mother of Jesus said to him: Son, why have you done this to us? See how your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.
Antiphon: Jesus returned with Mary and Joseph to Nazareth; there he lived and was obedient to them.
11 Come, my children, listen to me *
and I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Which of you relishes life *
wants time to enjoy good things?
13 Keep your tongue from evil *
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good *
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of God are on the righteous *
and his ears towards their cry.
16 The Lord sets his face against wrongdoers *
to root out their memory from the earth.
17 The righteous cry; the Lord hears it *
and frees them from all their afflictions.
18 The Lord is close to those who are broken-hearted *
and the crushed in spirit he saves.
19 The trials of the righteous are many *
but our God delivers him from them all.
20 He guards all his bones *
so that not one is broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked *
and those who hate the righteous will be destroyed.
22 The Lord ransoms the lives of his servants *
and none who hide in him will be destroyed.
Antiphon: Jesus returned with Mary and Joseph to Nazareth; there he lived and was obedient to them.
2 Chronicles 6:12-17
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands. Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the court; and he stood on it. Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of the whole assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands towards heaven. He said, 'O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant in steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart— you who have kept for your servant, my father David, what you promised to him. Indeed, you promised with your mouth and this day have fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant, my father David, that which you promised him, saying, “There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children keep to their way to walk in my law as you have walked before me.” Therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant David.
Song of the Three Young Men Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
RESPONSORY
The just man shall blossom like the lily. The just man shall blossom like the lily.
He shall flourish forever in the courts of our God, like the lily.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit The just man shall blossom like the lily.
Magnificat
Antiphon: When Jesus began his ministry, he was about thirty years old and was thought to be the son of Joseph.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon: When Jesus began his ministry, he was about thirty years old and was thought to be the son of Joseph.
INTERCESSIONS
All fatherhood in heaven and on earth has its origin in God.
Let us turn to him and pray: Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer.
All-holy Father, you revealed to St. Joseph
your eternal plan of salvation in Christ,
- deepen our understanding of your Son, true God and true man.
Father in heaven, you feed the birds of the air
and clothe the fields with the fruit of the earth,
- give all your children their daily bread
to sustain soul and body.
Maker of the universe, you have entrusted your creation to our safekeeping,
- may all who work receive a just reward for their labors.
God of all righteousness, you want us all to be like you,
- May St. Joseph inspire us all to walk always in your way of holiness.
Look kindly on the dying and dead, and grant them your mercy,
- through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Our Father…
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Father,
you entrusted our Savior to the care of Saint Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
O God, who called your servant Joseph to be the faithful guardian of your incarnate Son, and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to follow his example in constant worship of you and obedience to your commands, that our homes may be sanctified by your presence, and our children nurtured in your fear and love, through the same your son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.