Today, treating all people respectfully as they do their jobs
Reflections on the readings for the Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter – St. Joseph the Worker (May 1, 2019): ACTS 5:17-26; PS 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9; JN 3:16-21
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The carpenter of Nazareth was a just and faithful man who hoped to give his wife Mary a decent and happy home. Joseph was used to hard work and knew there would be no luxuries, but he was confident that he could provide for his family by the sweat of his brow. And that is exactly what our Heavenly Father wanted.
Yet God also planned much more for this couple. They would raise a child together, but while Mary was the mother of Jesus, Joseph was asked to be the foster-father of the Son of God. Through dreams, the Lord’s angelic messenger told Joseph what was wanted from him. And, like the Blessed Virgin, Joseph agreed to obey God’s will and do everything possible to care for his family. When they had to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus’ life, he had to start his carpentry business over. And when Joseph was directed to bring Mary and Jesus back home, he did that, too.
This good and honorable man did all God asked of him, toiling willingly to provide for his loved ones. Joseph trained Jesus to be a carpenter who would someday take over the trade, just as so many parents have done over the generations. And Joseph would have shared his deep Jewish faith with the one who called him father. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8-9). Let us honor all people who work to the best of their ability whatever their job may be. We can also encourage the decent and respectful treatment of all who labor for their livelihood and that of their families
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask St. Joseph to guide us in approaching ever closer to his dear Jesus, the Son of God. And let us also ask for his help in doing our own work well, in looking after all those who need jobs – and in assisting missionaries who labor in love in the poorest communities around the globe.
