Help interpreting this phrase

[Farley4334]

I have a book of prayers, and in one of the prayers the following phrase occurs: “My Immaculate Mother, Saint Joseph my father and lord, my guardian angel, intercede for me.” (my emphasis added)

Now I’m sure this comes down to an alternate definition of lord, in fact, I notice it remains lower case to note this fact. However, I was wondering if anyone out there would like to elaborate on this for me.

Thanks!

 

[Edward_H]

I have a book of prayers, and in one of the prayers the following phrase occurs: “My Immaculate Mother, Saint Joseph my father and lord, my guardian angel, intercede for me.” (my emphasis added)

Now I’m sure this comes down to an alternate definition of lord, in fact, I notice it remains lower case to note this fact. However, I was wondering if anyone out there would like to elaborate on this for me.

Thanks!

That’s part of both the opening and closing prayer for a mediation or period of mental prayer from St Josemaria, who founded Opus Dei. Your prayer may have come from the Handbook of Prayer. It refers to the fatherhood, and protective leadership of St Joseph. Not to any sort of adoration of the saint. Note lower case. Opus Dei has a great fondness for the Holy Family.

 

[Joe_5859]

I have a book of prayers, and in one of the prayers the following phrase occurs: “My Immaculate Mother, Saint Joseph my father and lord, my guardian angel, intercede for me.” (my emphasis added)

Now I’m sure this comes down to an alternate definition of lord, in fact, I notice it remains lower case to note this fact. However, I was wondering if anyone out there would like to elaborate on this for me.

Thanks!

Your initial thoughts are correct. It is simply a different use of the word “lord” than we typically use nowadays. The word “lord” wasn’t always used exclusively to refer to God. But since He is the Lord of lords, He tends to be the one most modern people (at least in the U.S.) think of when they hear the term.