Life isn't something from which we have to "defend ourselves"
Pope Francis concluded the December 1 catechesis on St. Joseph as a "just" man betrothed to Mary, with a prayer.
Saint Joseph,
you who loved Mary with freedom,
and chose to renounce your fantasies to give way to reality,
help each of us to allow ourselves to be surprised by God
and to accept life not as something unforeseen from which to defend ourselves,
but as a mystery that hides the secret of true joy.
Obtain joy and radicality for all engaged Christians,
while always being aware
that only mercy and forgiveness make love possible. Amen.
