Feast of St. Joseph
Reflection
There are few references to Joseph in Scripture, yet, the few facts we have can give us an insight into him.
Joseph was a carpenter, a craftsman who earned his livelihood in creative service to his community. He is described as a just man, one who observed the law faithfully, who was upright and righteous in his relationships. But, Joseph was not rigid. In a society where the law commanded that adulterous women be stoned, his love and mercy tempered justice. Although he knew he was not involved in Mary’s pregnancy, he would not shame her or expose her to judgment, but decided to keep it a private matter. Joseph was a man of faith, a dreamer attuned to the inspirations of God’s spirit in his life. He humbly walked the path of life wherever God led him and it enabled him to make the right choices.
Joseph led an ordinary life. He was not wealthy; his work supported his family. He raised his child and served God faithfully living true to his beliefs. Joseph was a just man.
Prayer
St. Joseph, help us to grow in your spirit. Teach us to live the ordinary with extraordinary justice, love and faithfulness.
Action
Who are the ordinary person’s in my life who reveal God for me? Why? How can I make the ordinary extraordinary in my own life?
Suggested Reading
This is what God asks of you
Only this…
To act justly
To love tenderly
To walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. And he knew her not until she brought forth her firstborn son, and he called his name Jesus.Matthew 1:24 -25
Joseph, who is a carpenter from Nazareth and who trusts in God’s plan for his young fiancée and for himself, reminds the Church to keep her eyes on what the world deliberately ignores.
Pope Francis
Perhaps the mark of greatness is not the accomplishment of great moments, great monuments, great works, but an honest facing struggle when it comes and being content with the daily, what we call the ordinary…Joseph was that kind of man– a saint.
Sister M. Madeliva, CSJ
St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life.
Blessed Josemaria Escriva
Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten familes.
Pope John Paul II
Joseph is the patron of the dying because, assuming he died before Jesus’ public life, he died with Jesus and Mary close to him, the way we all would like to leave this earth.
Jose Rubio Perralto
The blessed Joseph faithfully exercised his skills as a carpenter. He is a shining example to all workmen.
Benedictus Responsory at Lauds