His Word Today: Saint Joseph the Worker

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker.  It is right that we should pray today for all workers, especially carpenters and all those who strive to exercise their professions with nobility and pride.  These days of physical distancing and social isolation have been very difficult for many of those who would normally be working every day to earn their living.  We should pray today for all those who are facing increased levels of stress and worry because they cannot work at this time.

Joseph, the noble carpenter, was the one who was chosen to act as the earthly father of Jesus.  He makes very few apparitions in the scriptures, but all of them are about his relationship with God.  Saint Matthew tells us that Joseph was faithful to the law and did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace (Mt 1: 19), but while he was struggling to find a way to settle this question, an angel of the Lord appeared to him (Mt 1: 20) to provide him with counsel.  Based on this heavenly assistance, Joseph made bold choices that changed the course of history.

Today's scripture passage from the Acts of the Apostles recounts the encounter that Saul had on his way to the city of Damascus.  As it was with Joseph, Saint Paul encountered a dramatic revelation that changed his life (cf Acts 9:3-6).  The man who had so violently been opposed to the fledgling Christian community ended up becoming one of us because of the words that he had heard: Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?  While Paul was convinced that he was fighting an organization, the truth was that he was attacking Jesus: his efforts were aimed at a person, not at an organization.

These words are still being addressed to the Church today.  We are called to act in the name of Jesus.  When we say yes to the Lord's invitation - as Joseph did - it is He who acts through us.  Let us pray for the grace to hear His voice today, and through the intercession of Saint Joseph, let us seek to willingly accept whatever the Lord should ask of us.

Have a great day.