Friday, March 19, 2010

Sshhhh--Staying Hidden and Humble with Joseph


Today is a good day to reflect on the value of hidden virtue. To be of inestimable value to God, our deeds, restraints, thoughts and prayers do not have to be known to all and sundry--indeed they do not need to be known by anyone but God. I think that, except for God's own decision to have deeds and personages known by others for the sake of His Glory and the salvation of souls, that virtue is best brewed in secret.

We receive no word that Mary made known the merits of her case to Joseph; rather, God saw to it that an angel took care of that matter.

As for himself, in Sacred Scripture, St. Joseph remains mute. He speaks to us through the faithfulness of his actions. The just man lived a hidden and humble life, a life of poverty and labor.

In my pursuit of humility, I can think of no greater advocate before Jesus, Save Mary herself.

Our Holy Mother, St. Teresa said we should learn to be able to suffer a bit for the Lord without the whole world knowing about it. Another great Carmelite, Saint Teresa Margaret Redi, prayed faithfully for the grace to remain hidden in her whole life, so that none would remark on her. And of course, we have the example of St. Therese's "little way", in which remaining hidden can be so great a help.

Saint Joseph, help me to take profit from every opportunity to learn to enjoy being hidden and humble. Let me not squander any chance to profit from the Graces that your Divine Son grants me! O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, I beg you to make my heart like unto thine!

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