Monday, April 19, 2010

My Statue of St. Joseph

I've blogged before about sacramentals, the Communion of Saints, and how I feel about them as a Catholic. I was just standing in my bedroom and looking at my statue of St. Joseph. He, being my patron saint, raises my mind up to Heaven. When I see the statue standing there, sometimes I fondly refer to it as Joseph, such as when I shut my drawers and he starts to wobble on the dresser. I say "Joseph, you stay up there!". Now, of course, I know that little statue isn't St. Joseph, but it raises my mind up to Heaven, to God, and all the Saints surrounding his throne. I see it in the mornings and I remember to pray the prayer I always say to my patron saint (that I made up):

"St. Joseph, I chose you as my patron saint. Please pray for me to live up to your example of a husband and a father."

As a matter of fact, I've been praying that since before I even had a son! Then, I walk into my dining room, and I see the icon of Christ the Teacher and I pray, "Lord, please teach me to lead my life in a way pleasing to you." Again, Christ isn't the icon, but it lifts my mind up to him. I know that all seems strange to many outside of Catholic/Orthodox Faith, but that's just the way it is, and I'm always glad to be walking around my house, seeing the icons and statues, and remember that I am not alone. I am surrounded by a glorious throng of Saints from all the ages.

Jesus, I trust in you!

3 comments:

Soutenus said...

Your words resonate within me . . . I so completely understand. I do the same thing and am very happy to have visual, tactile reminders throughout my day.
Blessings today and always!
Peggy

~Joseph the Worker said...

Thanks so much. Hearing from you also reminds me of the beautiful communion we have not only with the Saints in Heaven, but also the Church militant here on Earth (and let's not forget to pray for the Church Suffering in purgatory.)

Russ Rentler, M.D. said...

I love st joseph and his statues.
Check out my "Josephying" story here:

http://crossed-the-tiber.blogspot.com/2009/05/josephying-on-feast-of-st-joseph-worker.html