Prayer to St. Joseph by Pope St. Pius X
How was your Labor Day weekend? In addition to celebrating the last vestiges of summer, Labor Days is a good time to reflect upon the blessing of work.
We are confronted with the stark reality that over 23 million Americans are unemployed, underemployed or looking for work. To have work is indeed a blessing that, at times, we take for granted. No matter how mundane it can be, our work has been given to us by God and through it, virtue can grow. Let us all renew our commitment to work with fervor in the vineyard in which the Lord has planted us and pray for those who are seeking work. I share with you this prayer to St. Joseph which is a perfect remedy to complacency and is great way to begin the work day. I hope you too will enjoy it and pray it often.
Prayer to St. Joseph by Pope St. Pius X
Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. Amen.