Throughout the world there are thousands of Catholic churches named after St. Joseph, yet he is never quoted in the Bible.
St. Joseph protecting his family
Saint Joseph
Imagine you are newly engaged only to find out that your fiancée is carrying a child you did not father. An engagement or being bethrothed was different in ancient Judaism. This was considered a marriage, a temporary period up to one year before the covenant of marriage took place. This arrangement could only be broken by death or divorce (Deut 24:1-4).
Joseph, a godly man, was about to ask Mary for a divorce when an intervention from God came to him in a dream.
Matthew 1:19-21 New Catholic Bible
19 Her husband Joseph was a just man and did not wish to expose her to the ordeal of public disgrace; therefore, he resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 After he had decided to follow this course of action, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to receive Mary into your home as your wife. For this child has been conceived in her womb through the Holy Spirit.21 She will give birth to a son, and you shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
The Dreams
Many times I have mentioned in my Blog about the importance of dreams. To receive a message in a dream in the time of Jesus was not taken lightly. The vision of a giant angel whose first words were, “Do not be afraid,” must have put the dreamer in a state of shock. Joseph was no different – he understood the message and obeyed God’s orders.
King Herod
God never gave King Herod dreams because he got his orders directly from Satan. As soon as the insecure, narcissistic king heard of the birth of Jesus, he wanted the infant dead. King Herod received the information of the Christ child’s birth through the Wise Men. The Wise Men followed the star which led them to Bethlehem. The king had instructed them to return to him with this location, but the Wise Men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
Matthew 2:12 New Catholic Bible
12 And since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another route.
Joseph’s Second Dream
This dream was to make haste, and, again Joseph did as instructed.
Matthew 2:13-15 New Catholic Bible
13 The Flight into Egypt. After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him, “Arise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Remain there until I tell you. Herod seeks the child to kill him.”14 Therefore, he got up, took the child and his mother, and departed that night for Egypt,15 where they remained until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Joseph had never been outside his small village but, through obedience, God provided all that this Holy Family would need. The holy family were not considered immigrants, because Egypt was part of the Roman Empire and they would have family there. With all they endured, God protected them every step of the way.
.
Herod was so preoccupied with the killing of the innocent children that it would be two years before Joseph received his last dream.
The Last Dream
It was after the death of Herod, that Joseph received the last dream.
Matthew 2:19-23 New Catholic Bible
19 The Return to the Land of Israel. After the death of Herod, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt20 and said, “Arise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought to kill the child are dead.”21 He got up, took the child and his mother, and returned to the land of Israel.
22 But when Joseph learned that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod in Judea, he was afraid to go there. After he had been warned in a dream concerning this, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.23 He settled in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the Prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazorean.”
My Dream
I am a dreamer, and as many times I grapple with matters of the heart. I obsess and find myself in a quandary thinking of how to remedy the problem. Recently I received a beautiful dream with instructions on how to pray. One: my sister Myra, who has been with the Lord for 15 years comes to aid me, and then we are taken to a family member’s home where there is a huge community theater. As I look around I say to myself, “This is St. Aquinas High School!” I’m sharing this with others, but they don’t understand. We are at a football stadium, but it is enclosed with wood ceilings. So what does this dream mean?
The Interpretation
I did not give all the details to this dream because it was meant for me, and it is personal and very long. This dream means is that I am to ask my sister Myra for her intercession and to seek one of the greatest philosophers and theologians Saint Thomas Aquinas’ intercession as well. The high school is a place for learning, I plan to read some of his prolific writings to help me with my prayer life.
Our Joseph
My husband Mike was born with the spirit of Joseph. His only concern in life is to make sure that we, his family are well taken care of. He has never put himself before others and his quiet demeanor is a testament of what a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather he is to us. One of Mike’s main priority is to serve his family. In January we will mark another milestone of 54 years of marriage!
My Prayer
Dear Lord, You never fail us. I thank you for the gift of dreams and for their interpretation. May we all seek Your holy wisdom in all matters of our lives. Shed light in all the dark areas of our lives and deliver us from judging others. May Your loving arms embrace all those who need healing in their bodies, minds,and souls. Thank You for giving us life. Amen.
The definition of Advent is arrival, coming into place, prepare. Our hearts must be ready to receive the Lord. For me part of my preparing is going to confession. Our parish offers confession several times a week. After morning Mass on Friday the lines for confession were too long. With my busy schedule I could not wait, so my friend Lan and I decided to go to St. Michael’s Abbey. We arrived a half an hour early and prayed. Once the confessional opened it took a total of five minutes.
St. Michael’s Abbey
St. Michael’s Abbey
St. Michael’s Abbey is tucked in the majestic desert mountains of Silverado Canyon. When the Norbertine Fathers decided to build the abbey they commissioned Jean-Louis Pagés, a French architect, for their project. To Jean-Louis it was a labor of love. When he received the call from the Norbertines Father, Jean-Louis asked, “What will the abbey be called?” When he heard the name Michael, he understood that this commission was from God. Jean-Louis and his wife were still grieving the loss of their son Michael. The Norbertines knew Jean-Louis Pagés was a faithful, religious man of God and that he had suffered a great loss.
The Heavenly Light
The Abbey is designed to capture the perfect light for the Feast Day of Saint Michael at the singing of vespers. The lighting caught my eye as a beautiful array of lights filled the church while we were waiting for confession. It was as if the abbey had been transported from a small village in France. As soon as you turn into the wrought iron gates, you feel a sense of tranquility. The abbey beckons you to a silent time of prayer. We are blessed to have St. Michael’s Abbey in our county.
The world’s best patty meltLan and me Cook’s Corner
Lunch At Cook’s Corner
It was well past 2:00 o’clock by the time we left the abbey. I decided that we should go to Cook’s Corner for lunch. Knowing full well that the Norbertine priests had blessed the business after a tragic mass shooting in 2023, we felt safe. Yes, I am aware that it is a biker’s hang out, but I also know that they are known for their great food.
When Lan and I walked in, the contrast from the silent beauty of the abbey quickly changed to piercing, acid rock music. My heart was troubled but, nevertheless, we needed to eat. I asked the bartender, “Do we need to be seated?” She answered, “Oh, I’m not going to wait on you!” Then a woman at the bar added, “You do not want her to wait on you!” Their humor was funny and sarcastic.
I ordered a patty melt, and then Lan and I went to the patio area to escape the deafening music; but the deeper we went; the louder the music! Finally when my patty melt was ready, we decided to eat inside. Looking around, Lan said, “Lynda, everyone is drinking beer.” “I know, it’s a bar,” I answered. We did not have to worry about that because neither of us like beer.
To say that the patty melt was the best I have ever had is an understatement. It was heavenly!
Visiting Mario
The date and time were set for our visit. I had not seen Mario since our last visit at Norco Rehabilitation Center in July. On the way there I prayed a rosary and asked the Lord to keep me from crying tears of joy. I put the address in my phone and followed the simple directions. How I managed to get lost is beyond me!
Mario
I called Mario and he said he would meet me outside. To see the look on his face brought such joy to my heart. We were going to breakfast and the first restaurant the came up in the search was The Iron Griddle. The food from this family-owned business was so delicious!
Mario ordered a spinach omelet with hash browns, while I ordered oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar. When Mario’s omelet arrived, a few seconds later the waitress came back and said that she messed up his order. So as she was taking the first order back, I asked, “What are you going to do with it?” She answered, “I’m going to throw it out, or do you want it?” I quickly answered, “Yes!” The breakfast came with a thick slice of homemade raisin bread. Again, another heavenly meal experience. Our visit was short and sweet. Mario is doing great, so please continue to pray for him as he navigates through life.
Me, Mike, Helen and Larry
Annual Dinner
I needed to get back for our annual dinner with our best friends Larry and Helen. We ate at our favorite restaurant. Our reservations were for 3:30 p.m., but it was past 4:00 p.m. by the time we sat at our table. Our dinners are always very early, that’s part of growing old.
I started with a cocktail of Belvedere Vodka and cranberries. It was so festive looking and it tasted amazing! We always have appetizers, so by the time our dinners came I was not that hungry. But we did share a hot fudge sundae for dessert. Then we took a stroll around the shopping center.
The Enduring Friendship
Larry and Helen have been part of our lives for over 30 years, and the older we get the more tolerant we have become. We established a three-day rule, or, rather, I have established a three day rule. After so many years of traveling with them, Larry would dictate what we were going to do. This continued until one day I said, “I’m tired of Larry telling us what to do; today this changes.” So now we all take turns.
Advent
As we enter into the end of this holy season, I pray that we all operate in a spirit of love. There’s a good reason why love is the last of the candles lit. With love we can conquer the world. Stop listening to the exploitation of Charlie Kirk’s death that are taking place on the Internet. Remember in the end all these influencers want is your clicks. I no longer listen to them because there is no love in an argument, and what do we gain if we side with people who lead us astray from God? Always remember this: ONLY GOD’STRUTH WILL PREVAIL!
My Prayer
Lord, teach us the true meaning of love. Open our hearts and minds to accept everyone with love. May the spirit of Christmas rule in each and every one of us. In all sincerity, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. Amen.
We are now in the third week of Advent. This week the priests wear rose-colored chasubles signifying Joy.
The Annunciation
What a joyous occasion to celebrate the Annunciation of the Blessed Mother Mary! This young Virgin’s “yes” changed the course of humanity. No other woman can be compared to her glorious life. To think that the status of Mary, the mother of our Lord, is imputed is to lack the true knowledge of God, so please allow me to enlighten you about the Mother of God.
Mary’s profound purpose in life is to help guide us to her Son. Whenever my grown children need advice or guidance, they come to me. As a mother I pray with them, but I also continue to intercede on their behalf until I hear from the Lord. All mothers should have Mary as their role model. Who can better teach us than the Mother of God?
Mike and The Virgin of Guadalupe
She lived a life of servitude to God, she raised her Son, and she watched as He was nailed to the Cross. Through her experience of pain suffered as a mother, we can go to her for comfort. She will lead us to the foot of her Son Jesus’ Cross. There we will find rest.
December 12th
On this day we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our parish is 65 percent Latino, so you know we go all out. It starts with a 5 a.m. Mass and continues with several Masses during the day. This celebration ends with a bang because our Bishop celebrates the 7:00 p.m. Mass. Then Native dancers were followed by Mariachi music. A dinner of tamales, carnitas tacos, beans and rice, and of course Mexican hot chocolate with pan dulce. Over a thousand tamales were served on this festive day.
Russ, Jacob, Lucas, Mike, me, Sonja, Maddie, Mikos and Jenny
Though I did attend the 8:30 a.m. Mass, we were celebrating Mike’s birthday so I was unable to participate in the other church festivities. Our family tradition is to dine at Ruth‘s Chris Steak House to celebrate Mike’s birthday. Together with our family and friends, Larry and Helen, we had a wonderful time. Our grandson Will was making his way back home from college and was unable to attend.
Mike is the patriarch of our family. He is a humble servant, always caring for the needs of others. He has never put himself first, and these selfless acts have taught us all how to be better servants.
The Virgin of Guadalupe
I have traveled to Mexico City several times, but only on the third trip did I discover the hidden treasure of my heart: Our Lady of Guadalupe. During this period of my life I was a roaming Catholic, not knowing much about my religion. When Mike and I arrived at the basilica, I honestly was humbled into a state of holiness.
Observing the Mexican people coming from blocks, and some from miles away, crawling on their knees to reach the basilica made me desire what they were experiencing. Why are they doing this? That was my first thought. These humble pilgrims were on their way to complete a mission. Their final steps would bring them to their knees in reverence of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The Apparition
It all started with the apparition and Juan Diego. In December of 1531 Juan Diego encountered a lady on a hill behind the present day Basilica. In the conversation the Virgin Mary introduced herself as “The Mother of the True God.” She asked Juan Diego to go to the bishop to request that a church be erected in her honor.
It was not a coincidence that Mary appeared to Juan Diego between December 9th through the 12th because this was during the octave of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Saint Juan Diego
Juan Diego was a 57-year-old widower. When Mary appeared to him she spoke in his Nahuatl, his native Aztec tongue. There was always a prelude of beautiful music when Mary appeared to Juan Diego. Juan Diego’s first encounter with Mary was on Saturday, December 9th. He first heard the heavenly music, followed by “Juanito, Juan Dieguito!” At the sound of her sweet voice, Juan Diego fell to his knees. “Juanito, least of my sons, where art thou going?” she asked. Juan Diego was on his way to study the divine mysteries with his local priest. The place of the meeting was Tepeyac Hill, a few miles outside Mexico City.
The Message
Juan Diego was chosen to carry the message to Bishop-elect Fray Juan de Zumarraga. He was obedient, but the Bishop was not convinced of his story. He asked the Blessed Mother Mary to send someone else, someone well known, respected and esteemed to deliver the message.
On December 11th Juan Diego missed his appointment with the Blessed Mother on Tepeyac Hill because he had to care for his sick uncle, Juan Bernardino. So on the morning of December 12th he walked in haste to find a priest to administer the last rites to his uncle. As he approached Tepeyac Hill he remembered the broken appointment and went around the hill.
Our Lady would not be denied. She assured Juan Diego that his uncle would get well and for him not to worry. Then she instructed him to gather flowers at the top of the hill. There on a frozen, barren hilltop he found and gathered beautiful Castilian roses covered in dew. He came back to the Blessed Virgin, and she arranged them in his tilma with her own hands.
The Roses
At Juan Diego’s arrival, the room where he was to meet the bishop was filled with the heaven-sent bouquet of cascading roses. As the roses fell to the floor, Bishop Zumarraga looked intently at Juan himself, and fell to his knees. When Juan Diego looked down at his tilma, it was the first time he saw the image of exactly how our Lady appeared to him on Tepeyac Hill.
The Conversions
Within a decade after Mary’s apparition, 10 million indigenous Mexicans had converted to Christianity. This stopped the practice of human sacrifices, where as many as 250 thousand people were sacrificed annually.
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s first miracle was the healing of Juan Diego’s uncle, Juan Bernardino.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, we are all guilty of not understanding what our true calling is. May Juan Diego be an example to us all; a humble, Aztec peasant was hand picked by Your Mother with a message of conversion. Holy Mother of God, continue to guide us to Your most precious Son Jesus. Amen.
