Saint Joseph and the Eternal Father

I find this painting of Saint Joseph and the Most Holy Trinity (Antoni Guerra, 1699) extraordinary. The Eternal Father is pointing to Saint Joseph, indicating that Joseph is His mystical shadow, the icon of His paternity on earth. Joseph has eyes only for the Infant Jesus. The Word Made Flesh smiles and tugs at Saint Joseph’s beard. The Holy Spirit hovers over Saint Joseph’s head. Joseph too, I think, had his “overshadowing” by the Holy Spirit to prepare and sustain him for his role in the plan of salvation. The little angel, expressing wonder and delight, is taking in the whole scene. There are two other little details in the painting. Note that there are two feet: one belonging to the Eternal Father, and one to Saint Joseph. Think about that! And in the lower left hand corner is the lily, the symbol of Saint Joseph’s purity.

Prayer to Saint Joseph for Priests
O glorious Saint Joseph,
who, on the word of the angel
speaking to you in the night,
put fear aside to take your Virgin Bride into your home,
show yourself today the advocate and protector of priests.
Protector of the Infant Christ,
defend them against every attack of the enemy,
preserve them from the dangers that surround them
on every side.
Remember Herod’s threats against the Child,
the anguish of the flight into Egypt by night,
and the hardships of your exile.
Stand by the accused;
stretch out your hand to those who have fallen;
comfort the fearful;
forsake not the weak;
and visit the lonely.
Let all priests know that in you
God has given them a model
of faith in the night, obedience in adversity,
chastity in tenderness, and hope in uncertainty.
You are the terror of demons
and the healer of those wounded in spiritual combat.
Come to the defence of every priest in need;
overcome evil with good.
Where there are curses, put blessings,
where harm has been done, do good.
Let there be joy for the priests of the Church,
and peace for all under your gracious protection.
Amen.