New Hymn for St. Joseph
  • Jenny Donelson
    Posts: 257
    Here's a new hymn I've composed, with a harmonization by Charles Weaver, for St. Joseph.

    Happy feast day in advance!

    Melody only

    With accompaniment/parts

    Joseph, our patron, we hymn thee in chorus,
    Thou who wouldst cheer us in all our travails.
    Swift to lend ear and hear God’s holy message,
    Hear as we trust thee with all that us ails.

    Lilies burst forth to confess your chaste living,
    Jesse’s type blossoms, fulfilled in your rod.
    Spouse of the Virgin, and girded with virtue,
    Help us lead lives that are worthy of God.

    Worship you gave at that first holy Christmas,
    Reverence for what you beheld with your eyes.
    Placed in your hands Our Lord deigned to embrace you.
    Pray for our priests to do always likewise.

    Sold into Egypt, first Joseph provided.
    Now there you lead to guard God’s only Son.
    When we’re afflicted by error and hunger,
    Be for us shield and guide, ‘til life is done.

    Father adopted by will of Our Father,
    Silently witnessing God’s Son at work,
    Help us to suffer, persist, and be joyful,
    Take up our crosses, the sweet yoke not shirk.

    Most Holy Trinity, help us to praise Thee.
    And may our prayers with our patron’s ascend
    That all we do and think always exalt Thee
    ‘Til we reach heaven’s shores, world without end.

    Tune: DUNWOODIE 11.10.11.10
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • liampmcdonough
    Posts: 297
    I thought Mary was the Rod of Jesse
  • Jenny Donelson
    Posts: 257
    I take inspiration from Guéranger here and throughout:

    "Heaven designated him as being the only one worthy of such a treasure: the rod he held in his hand, in the Temple, suddenly produced a flower, as though it were a literal fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaias: There shall come forth a rod from the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. The rich pretenders to an alliance with Mary were set aside: and Joseph was espoused to the Virgin of the House of David, by a union which surpassed in love and purity everything the Angels themselves had ever witnessed."
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
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