On this summer Sunday, we are praying for people around the world, praying that we may see the right, “as God gives us to see the right”; and to memorize these words of St. Philip Neri: All of God’s purposes are to the good, although we may not always understand this we can trust in it.
It is hard, really hard, sometimes, to remember this when the world feels like it is spiraling out of control, but we must hang on to it, and realize that what is before us is part of something much larger than us, or our era. Between the first sin at Eden and the Nativity of the Lord, thousands of years had to pass as God courted his stiff-necked creatures, and made straight the paths of readiness. Then, the Great Missionary, Christ himself, left the place of his origin and came and ate with us and talked and loved us, and laughed and cried with us and served us and died for us. We are still within the eons-long process of restoration. God have mercy. Help us to trust, like the young men in the fiery furnace.
Things are still developing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as I write this; we have no idea how much worse things will get, how many more lives may be lost. Let us pray the answer is “no more.” In the meantime, here are two prayers — a litany to Saint Joseph, who is the Patron of Baton Rouge, and the prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel, patron of police, firefighters and all first responders.
More to read:As we look at the state of the world, Martha and Mary remind us that not everything is ours to control
Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us
Holy Mary, pray for us
St. Joseph, pray for us
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us
Joseph most just, pray for us
Joseph most chaste, pray for us
Joseph most prudent, pray for us
Joseph most strong, pray for us
Joseph most obedient, pray for us
Joseph most faithful, pray for us
Mirror of patience, pray for us
Lover of poverty, pray for us
Model of artisans, pray for us
Glory of home life, pray for us
Guardian of virgins, pray for us
Pillar of families, pray for us
Solace of the wretched, pray for us
Hope of the sick, pray for us
Patron of the dying, pray for us
Terror of demons, pray for us
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. He made him the lord of His household,
R. And prince over all His possessions.
Let Us Pray.
O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most Holy Mother, grant that as we venerate him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our intercessor in Heaven, Thou Who livest and reignest forever and ever. R. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
(Composed by Pope Leo XIII, after a vision)
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
O glorious prince St. Michael,
chief and commander of the heavenly hosts,
guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits,
servant in the house of the Divine King
and our admirable conductor,
you who shine with excellence
and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,
who turn to you with confidence
and enable us by your gracious protection
to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
More to read:Feeling unnerved by recent events? Look to the Crucifix
And today we celebrate...