My Prayer-Poem for the 31st Day of Lent, The Feast of St Joseph of Nazareth, Friday 19 March 2021

My Prayer-Poem for the 31st Day of Lent, The Feast of St Joseph of Nazareth, Friday 19 March 2021


The picture which goes with my poem is a 17th century painting by Guido Reni. A few observations about the painting. Like every baby with a new object, the child holds up an apple while he remains totally absorbed in Joseph. The apple symbolises the garden of Eden but, in the hands of baby Jesus, it seems like the promise of salvation. As we see and feel the reality of the baby in Joseph’s arms, we can also feel the child’s life and energy. The child is alert and reaching out, eager to touch the world. Notice the way in which Reni angles Joseph’s holding of the Christ-child. It looks like he is offering the child to us to hold as well - to take him in their arms and into their hearts – to hold him, because he is given to us as well.


If, like baby Jesus, we look into the gentle worn face of Joseph, we know that this is a man will take up the responsibilities of fatherhood entrusted to him. Whatever the cost, he will care for, protect, nourish and respect the son he has been given and wife whom he did not expose or reject in her hour of need. Joseph represents all those good men who will protect their families even though it will disrupt their lives. He does not fear the cost.
In our world of absentee fathers and important debates about gender, Reni gives us a portrait of a tender strength there to care for a vulnerable life. He has given us an example of a good man who may need to remain hidden, but on whose faithfulness and courage his family can depend. He has given us a glimpse of a father’s heart. So here’s my poem:


O Holy Child of Nazareth
how tenderly he gazes,
his love gently shining
like the morning glow through mountains.
From unassuming shadows his heavy hands
with feather touch
warm first the heart of your blessed mother
then, with delicate necessity
he cradles your tiny heart,
entrusted to his kind embrace;
and you, with sleepy eyes transfixed,
surrender to his fatherly resolve
and adoration is quietly lost in tender love.


©️Mark Andrew Smith
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