jozef 4

It was not long afterwards... 

that Joseph’s father Jacob became deathly sick. 

Joseph himself had been weakened considerably during the period of his mother’s painful illness, to which was now added this serious affliction. He fervently implored God for the help of His grace, and for the energy and strength needed to be able to assist his father during his final illness.

Joseph tended and served his father affectionately, both day and night, and encouraged him in the patient endurance of his sufferings and anxieties. 

As his father’s last hours arrived, Joseph attended him lovingly, encouraging and stimulating him to an ever greater trust in the divine goodness and mercy, and consoling him with his own conviction that he would soon enter into the domain of peace and joy. 

Thus, fully resigned and with a firm hope of obtaining eternal life, Joseph’s father finally expired. Once his father had breathed his last, Joseph withdrew and allowed his grief-stricken nature to find relief in tears. Indeed, he had every reason to be sorrowful, considering what a generous, loving and solicitous father he had lost.

After the departure of his father... 

we are shown the image of an 18 year old Joseph... 

falling under the weight of his tears, not only allowing himself to grieve the loss of his parents whom he loved so dearly, but also commending himself with filial trust to the care of the Heavenly Father.

"After he had thus given free reign to his sorrow, he fell down upon his knees, and streaming with tears, besought the Divine Majesty for aid with these words:

'Oh God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - and my own God! Look down upon me, thus deprived of both father and mother. You have graciously placed them beyond reach of the cares of this mortal life, and I now beg You, that in Your goodness You take me entirely under Your protection. I give and surrender myself again entirely to You...

'I have always been Yours, and also have always been safeguarded and defended by You. I wish to renew my dedication to You, and desire to have You reign over me completely... 

'Since I am no longer subject to anyone but You, my God, give me the requisite grace, so that I too may be able to say with the royal prophet: My father and mother have left me, but the Lord has taken me up’ [Ps.27:10]...

'From now on, do You be my father, my protector, my mother, my refuge, my whole support. Do with me and mine as it pleases You. May Your holy will be accomplished in me in every-thing. Grant that I may always discern Your will, for it is my desire to follow it completely and perfectly.'"

[bron]