# Make Our Hearts Like Yours – A Lenten Reflection on St. Joseph
*2017-03-10*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ Lenten meditation “Make Our Hearts Like Yours,” and leads a prayer to St. Joseph, asking for a merciful and steadfast heart during the first week of Lent.

## Lenten Reflection

We begin with Pope Francis’ meditation for the first Friday of Lent. He reminds us that a merciful heart is not a weak heart; it must be strong, steadfast, and open to God. Such a heart lets the Spirit pierce it, so that love can flow to our brothers and sisters. Jesus showed us this compassion by drawing near to every person in pain, never holding back. Let us ask the Lord to make our hearts like His—firm, merciful, attentive, and generous—so we are not closed off by indifference.

## Prayer to St. Joseph

O St. Joseph, patron and advocate, I come to you seeking the grace I need. Though I am a sinner, I place my hope in your intercession. Help me overcome my weaknesses, grant me the grace I ask through your powerful prayers, and enable me to return to the altar with thanksgiving.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Traditional Prayers

We recite the Apostles’ Creed, affirming our belief in one God, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and{earth}, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, died, and rose again. We also pray the Glory Be: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, without end. Amen.

## Closing Invocation

Most merciful St. Joseph, none who turn to you are ever disappointed. You have granted countless graces to the afflicted, the sick, the oppressed, and the betrayed. Do not let me be deprived of your comfort. Extend your generosity to this poor sinner, that I may grow in the mercy of the Lord.

Eternal Divine Father, through the love you have for St. Joseph, have mercy on me. (Followed by the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be as above.)

May St. Joseph’s intercession bring me the grace I need, and may his example inspire us all to live with compassion and steadfast love.

*May we ask the Lord to make our hearts like His—firm, merciful, and ever open to love.*