# Quieting Our Hearts on the Ninth Day to St. Joseph
*2020-03-17*

> Bill reflects on the discipline of solitude from Father Henry Newman’s “Journey of the Heart,” prays a consecration to St. Joseph, and explores humility in the Gospel of John.

## Opening Thoughts and Current Situation

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. It’s the third week of Lent, and we’re reading from Father Henry J. M. Newman’s *Journey of the Heart*. Today is day nine of the nine‑day preparation to St. Joseph, and tomorrow we will make a full consecration to him. I received a notice from the Archdiocese of Miami that, effective today, public Masses and events are suspended, so we’ll have to pray privately. Last night we joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for an 8 p.m. rosary, which was a beautiful experience of shared prayer.

## Quieting Our Hearts

Father Henry’s reflection for today is titled “Quieting Our Hearts,” based on Job 3:26: “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.” He calls the discipline of solitude a way to set aside time and space so that our hearts become quiet cells where God can dwell. The more we train ourselves to be alone with God, the more we recognize His presence in the midst of a busy life. When solitude of time and space becomes solitude of the heart, we can live the spiritual life anywhere, remaining always in the presence of the Living God. — Jesus, help me to recognize You and live actively in the world while staying in Your presence.

## Prayer to St. Joseph

Dear St. Joseph, I trust that when my time comes you will greet me with Jesus and Mary. Grant me the grace to face death without fear, to live each day in preparation for that meeting, and to be ready even if death comes suddenly. As I consecrate myself to your care, I ask you to prepare my soul for the day I must depart this world and to bring me safely to the Father’s house. St. Joseph, who died so beautifully, please intercede for me.

## The Gospel of John and Humility

Father Michael Gately’s 33‑day consecration series draws on the Gospel of John. He reminds us of the Passover lamb and the Passover night, then turns to John the Baptist’s proclamation, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John does not give the voice of the Father at the baptism; instead he emphasizes that all baptized believers are beloved children of God. This points to humility: John the Baptist humbly declares he is unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals, and he rejoices in the Bridegroom’s voice without jealousy. The lamb itself is the ultimate symbol of humility—gentle, meek, and the one who saves us from the pride that leads to spiritual death.

## Preparing for Tomorrow’s Consecration

Tomorrow we will write our personal consecration to St. Joseph on a handwritten, dated page, as Father Gately suggests. Keep that page; you may repeat the consecration each year on St. Joseph’s feast. If you need a copy of *Journey of the Heart* or the 33‑day book, I still have an extra copy—let me know, or order it via Amazon. The order line for Hearts of Fire books is 1‑800‑462‑74426.

*Solitude of the heart lets us live in God’s presence wherever we are, preparing us for the ultimate encounter with Him.*