Saint Joseph the Worker

In this world, we need to work. If we do not work, we would not be able to survive. We may not necessarily be working in the same profession or task, but we still need to do our part. Just imagine what would happen if we do not work, or we neglect to do our part: the consequence could indeed be disastrous. For example, if farmers do not work, do not sow and reap, then we may not have food to eat. If fishermen do not go out to sea for a catch, we would not have fish and other kinds of seafood to enjoy. If we do not do our duty or our part in whatever profession, we may lose our livelihood. That is why work is essential, and we need to put effort into it. Not only that, we need to work with passion, with joy, since we would certainly want to live better lives and make a difference.

However, how many of us have thought about why we work? Do we work merely for survival, or do we work also because we want to serve God? In today's second reading, we are reminded: "Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ the Lord that you are serving." When we try to work to please others, we will never be satisfied and happy, since more often than not, we would not get the kind of remuneration and recognition we expect or long for. But when we work for the glory of God, we can hope to receive happiness and peace, knowing that God will care and provide for us. Thus, let us not be lazy or aversive to work. Each and every one of us has talents and abilities which can be put to good use to help make this world a better place and especially for the glory of God.

Saint Joseph the Worker

Work is essential for each and every one of us. We cannot be sitting around idle, not doing anything, and wasting our lives. It is said that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. When we are idle, we may begin thinking of things which could lead us to sinful thoughts and even lead to sinful actions. When we work, we are keeping ourselves occupied doing something for the good of all and for the glory of God. Work and being busy doing something useful is indeed good for us.

In today's second reading, we are reminded: "Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ the Lord that you are serving." No matter how much we try to work to please others, we will never be satisfied and happy, since more often than not, we would not get the kind of remuneration and recognition we long for. But when we work for the glory of God, we can hope to receive happiness and peace, knowing that God will care for us and be our providence. Thus, let us not be lazy or averse to work. Each and every one of us has talents and abilities which can be put to good use to help make this world a better place and also to glorify God.

Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Solemnity

Some of us seem to misunderstand the silent types. Some think that people who are silent or do not say much seem to be anti-social, or appear to be not so approachable, or even appearing to be aloof. But as we know, we should never judge a book by its cover. What appears to be something in our mind, could be quite different in reality, especially in personality and character, once we get to know the person. We sometimes call these sort of people "introverts" and for some of those among us who are extroverts or like to yakkity yak yak (talk a lot), meeting an introvert could be quite a harrowing or unnerving experience for some, especially if we do not know how to reach out to one.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That is quite a long (and impressive) title for someone we do not know much about. We do not have any record from the Gospels of what he said, and we would notice in the alternative Gospel that it was Mary who did the talking when they found Jesus in the temple. But what may seem lacking in words and sayings in the Gospel, Saint Joseph more than made up for it in action. Even though in the Gospel he found out that Mary was pregnant with Jesus, he still listened and did what the angel told him to do and took Mary to be his wife. When they found out that Jesus was missing, he became a pillar of strength for Mary and could be counted on as they frantically looked for Jesus.

From these few instances where Saint Joseph are mentioned, we can deduce that Saint Joseph trusted in the Lord and he was faithful to what was entrusted to him. In his silence, humility and trust, we learn that one can be silent, and be a source of strength. We also learn that action speaks louder than words, as what we do could sometimes mean more to another than what we merely say. So the next time you come across these silent types, be aware that these folks could sometimes be a great source of strength and dependence. We just need to be willing and humble enough to accept others for who they are and learn to appreciate their gifts, abilities and talents, giving thanks to God.

Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Solemnity

Many of us would know something about our fathers and we would have grown under their guidance over the years. Some of us, due to one reason or another, may have not known much about our fathers. Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was one father whom we know very little about. The Gospels do not mention him much, except for the beginning from the time Jesus was conceived till He was lost and found at the Temple when He was twelve.

From the little we can glean about Saint Joseph in today's Gospel, we read that Saint Joseph was "a man of honour and wanting to spare Mary her publicity, decided to divorce her informally." However, when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream with a message of reassurance, Joseph "did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do." These verses already give us some idea of the sort of person Saint Joseph was. Though he was an upright man, he was also submissive to the will of God. Today's Gospel reminds us too of our role as fathers. Being a father or being called one is not enough; we need to show good example and yet be humble enough to listen to God's voice. Let us be lovingly macho in our relationship with God and with others, and follow the example of Saint Joseph.