# Consecration to St. Joseph on the Light of the Patriarchs
*2020-03-02*

> Bill Young reflects on the Lenten reading “Reach out to God,” honors St. Joseph as the Light of the Patriarchs, and leads listeners through a litany, the Rosary, and prayers for those suffering from natural disasters and the coronavirus.

## Lenten Reflection: Reach Out to God

We begin with the Lenten meditation from *Journey of the Heart* by Fr. Henry J.M. Newman, based on Exodus 33:13: “Show me your ways, that I may know you and find favor in your sight.” Newman reminds us that prayer is not merely a safety net for our own needs; true prayer draws us into God’s terms, pulling us away from self‑preoccupation and inviting us into a relationship that exceeds our calculations.

## St. Joseph: Light of the Patriarchs

Day 10 of the Consecration to St. Joseph is titled “Light of the Patriarchs.” The patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon—foretell the fatherhood of Joseph, who surpasses them in obedience, generosity, and wisdom. As the “Father of Fatherhood,” Joseph reflects the Father’s Light (cf. James 1:17). He is the humble, flesh‑and‑blood bearer of Christ, the true Light of the world, and a powerful intercessor against the darkness of Satan.

## Prayers for the World’s Sufferers

We lift up prayers for the victims of the recent tornadoes in Nashville, Tennessee, which claimed at least 22 lives, and for those injured or displaced. We also pray for those suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, especially the recent deaths in Seattle and the many afflicted worldwide.

## Litany and Rosary

The litany of St. Joseph invokes his many titles—spouse of the Mother of God, chaste guardian, foster father of the Son, defender of families, terror of demons, and patron of a happy death. After the litany we pray the Rosary, focusing on the Sorrowful Mysteries, and recite the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, and a series of Hail Marys for hope, love, peace, and the souls in purgatory.

## Divine Mercy Prayer

We conclude with a prayer for the priests and religious, asking the Divine Mercy to strengthen them so they may be channels of God’s mercy to the world.

*St. Joseph, as the Light of the Patriarchs, invites us to reach out to God and to bring His light to those suffering in darkness.*