01 May 2007

St. Joseph the Worker

"Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son?” --Matthew 13: 54-55

Happy (optional) Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker! I’m sure those of us still in school can appreciate his example and prayers. I’m sure we’re also looking forward to doing as God did in the first reading for today on the seventh day of His creation: that is, rest!

However, let us not forget that we are about a work from which we do not take rest: the salvific work of our growth in holiness and in seeking the lost through evangelization. In the above quotation from today’s gospel reading, Jesus is about that work. He has grown in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit (personal holiness and relationship with God) and is working mighty works among the people (evangelization and building of the kingdom). And yet, as we also see, those of His town cannot fathom where Jesus’s power has come from, and so they deny and reject Him.

Some things to keep in mind:

Am I grateful for my labors or do I resent them? Do I consider my worldly labors as sacrifices to offer to God or character forming experiences? Do I allow my busy-ness to keep me from the spiritual works of prayer and sharing of my faith? What should my answers be?

Do I place limitations on others or take them for granted? Do I limit or doubt myself? Do I realize where my strength comes from and who my Father is? What does this mean for me?

Do I labor out of total love for my Father? Is my rest a hallowed rest? How is the love of God flowing through my life?

Let us follow the example of St. Joseph and dedicate our work, our rest, our lives to Jesus, with Him at the center. In the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-7:

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well written article.