Dear R, The EWTN litany is a good one and I think it was a good idea to switch when you could not get comfortable with the Cloak one. But someday you might want to pray the cloak one, which I only just learned of, because I see it is full of beautiful theology.
Here’s some comments on what you quoted:
Let’s take for instance this line:
“O Joseph, most forceful, pray for us”
Wow, I’m not sure what that means. Forceful will to do God’s will most likely. Someone with more theological knowledge could give some insight.
Another example is:
- “In fact, not only were you surrounded by the shining splendour of the rays of the Divine Sun, but you were splendidly reflected in the brilliant light of the mystic moon, the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
I do find that beautiful and true. The Divine Sun is Jesus. He wasfully God when Joseph held Him, when He cried, when He reached out to his holy foster or His Blessed Mother. Joseph was surrounded by the Divinity the Holy Son. He was surrounded by Mary, and she is known as the “moon”, in a mystic sense, while Jesus is the Sun, the source of light. The moon is lit up brilliantly, so brilliantly as to cast a shadow, to light up the night, by the light of the sun, but does not emit is own personal light. That is why Mary is like the moon.
And this section which I find confusing and am still trying to understand:
- “O Glorious Patriarch, if the example of the ancient Jacob, who personally went to congratulate his favorite son, who was exalted on the throne of Egypt, served to bring all his progeny there, should not the example of Jesus and Mary, who honored thee with their greatest respect and trust, serve to bring me, thy devoted servant, to present thee with this precious cloak in thy honor.”
Well I cannot wrap my mind around this right now. But I expect it has a deep meaning.
There are also the many statements, promises and pledges you make throughout this Novena which you may not be able to make in full Truth, nor may be able to keep (I skipped these or changed them to something I did know was True of myself or that I could try todo)
Perhaps it like when you say the act of Contrition and you promise to never sin again - it would take God’s grace to do so.
It also has an alledged statement of St. Theresa that reads “If you really want to believe in it, prove it to yourself by reciting the Novena - and you will be finally convinced.”
Has this statement ever been verified? Did St. Theresa really say this?
I don’t know but she could have. I am sure she means pray it.
I think its good to start basic. One of my favorites is this one from The Pieta prayer book:
Prayer to St. Joseph over 1900 years old
O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach you while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
http://collection.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz/collection/images/display/1921-1930/1927_2_3.jpg
