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Quote of the day, 1 May: St. Thérèse

Saint Joseph enters, carrying his tools.

The Blessed Virgin, with a tone of gentle reproach:

Joseph, you’ve been away a long time. Why do you work such long days?

Saint Joseph:

Mary! Let me spend my energy in the service of Jesus. It is for Him and for you that I work; this thought gives me courage and helps me to bear fatigue. And then, when I return in the evening, one caress from Jesus, a single glance from you, make me forget the day’s labors.

(He wipes the sweat from his brow, then sits down by Mary and looks at the Child Jesus. The Blessed Virgin places the Child on Saint Joseph’s knees. His face takes on an expression of celestial joy; he presses the Divine Child to his heart, kisses Him lovingly, and says:)

Little Child! How sweet Your smile is!

Is it really true that I, the poor carpenter Joseph, have the happiness of holding in my arms the King of Heaven, the Savior of humanity?

Is it true that I have the sublime mission of being the foster father to Him whose presence satisfies the ardent seraphim and who nourishes every creature?

Is it true that I am the spouse of the Mother of God, the guardian of her virginity?

O Mary! Tell me, what is this profound mystery?

The Desired of the eternal hills, the Emmanuel for whom all the patriarchs have sighed, sits on my knees and He looks at me, His poor, unworthy servant.

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Pious Recreation 6, The Flight into Egypt (folio 1r–v)

of Lisieux, T 2008, The Plays of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: “Pious Recreations”, translated from the French by Conroy S and Dwyer D J, ICS Publications, Washington, DC.

Featured image: Christ in the Carpenter’s Shop was executed by French artist Trophime Bigot between the years 1600 and 1650. This oil on canvas artwork hangs in the Cumberland bedchamber of Hampton Court Palace, which is located southwest of Central London.

⬦ Reflection Question ⬦
How is God inviting me to serve Him today through hidden, ordinary work done with love?
⬦ Join the conversation in the comments.

#BlessedVirginMary #ChildJesus #fosterFather #Guardian #StJoseph #StJosephTheWorker #StThérèseOfLisieux #work