Honoring all who work...
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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today we venerate St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father of Jesus Christ, in a particular way as the patron of workers. This feast honors the dignity of all whose honest work supplies the livelihood of men and women and those who depend on them.
The quiet man of Nazareth provided for his family through his God-given talents and own daily labor as a carpenter. Joseph also taught the Holy Child he was raising as his own to use tools deftly, to do fine work, and give his customers quality products as fair prices. The efforts that people make with their heads, hearts and hands have great value not simply in what they produce, but also in the material care they offer their loved ones. More than that, work contributes to the fulfillment of every person. It is important that, whatever our job, we labor with integrity and encourage others to do the same. Employers and managers have an obligation to look after the safety and welfare of those who work for them.
Joseph was an intricate part of Almighty God’s plan for the redemption of His people through the loving ministry and ultimate sacrifice of His Son. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16-17). Everyone has a mission in life and for the head of the Holy Family that meant caring for the Savior of the world and His mother – and to that end Joseph offered his body and soul each day in service to God.
