ST. JOSEPH OF EGYPT (APRIL 29TH)

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Since childhood, my hero has been St. Joseph of Egypt, or, as the Orthodox like to call him, “the all-comely.” St. Joseph resisted temptation, followed God through times of unimaginable darkness and loneliness, served those who oppressed him with love and faithfulness, and was incredibly wise and discerning without being arrogant. St. Joseph saved the Egyptian people by foreseeing a famine, and preserved his Hebrews kinsmen in the process. St. Joseph prefigures Christ by his actions and attitudes, and sets a good example for us today of love, humility, service and wisdom.

Collect 

ALMIGHTY GOD, grant us to be as St. Joseph of Egypt, for he was not enslaved to self-pity, bitterness, nor to worldly pleasures, but he glorified Thee in all of his doings, remembering that what men meant for evil Thou hadst meant for his good; So, too, let us follow his good example and in the end inherit a crown of life: Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Who liveth and reignest with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 

St. Joseph, pray for us!