March 19.   St Joseph was a honourable man and Joe, himself an honourable young married man, shared his thoughts in his men’s group.  “Although they were betrothed, not being married to Mary when she was found to be pregnant by right he could have left her. She could even have been severely punished. I’ve learned from Pope Francis during the Year of Mercy and of St Joseph,  reinforced from these reflections that the responsibility to love and mercy override such legalistic rights. But I can’t help but wonder if mercy can be applied all the time or only some of the time.  Even on the issue of an unplanned pregnancy isn’t there often anger, abandonment, rejection, punishment.  How can a young couple and even their parents always be loving, and learn to be loving and merciful in these cases or how much is it to do with rights?     Reflect, share. Scripture: Her husband being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered this an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Mat 1:16 – 24.  Pope Francis:  In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.  LSAP 4. Towards Sustainable lifestyles.   Prayer to St Joseph. Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,  Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.  Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil.  Amen.   Choose appropriate action