Midweek Devotion 19 March 2025

Reading

Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

Devotion

Saint Joseph and the Christ Child | All Works | The MFAH Collections

Today is the Feast of St. Joseph.  On this day we remember the man entrusted with serving as the guardian of Jesus.  The painting, "Saint Joseph and the Christ Child" was created by Italian artist Guido Reni across 1638-1640.  This large oil on canvass masterpiece currently resides in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it is currently on display.  Reni created another of my favorite works, "St. Michael Archangel" which lives in Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, Italy.  An Italian Baroque Painter, Reni was considered by many to be the most famous Italian artist of his generation.

I love the eye contact in this painting.  Joseph gazes adoringly at the baby who in return looks at him.  There is a gentle playfulness to their exchange of glances.  I'm reminded of the love that exists between a mentor and protege.  Most of my mentors have been people I would aspire to be, or to be like.  At their best mentors help us to grow wisdom and knowledge and stature with God and humans, a variant translation of Luke 2:52.  Who are your mentors, dear reader?  Have you ever thought that there may be people who look at you and might aspire to be like you?  It's said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."  This Lent, ponder what in your life is worthy of imitation?

Drop me a line and let me know something about one of your mentors and I will pray for them!

Prayer

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.