HOMILY OF 5TH WEDNESDAY OF EASTER (FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER), YEAR B
HOMILY OF 5TH WEDNESDAY OF EASTER (FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER), YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
BY: Fr. Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
Acts 15:1-6, Psalm 121:1-5, John 15:1-8
INTRODUCTION
Good morning my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the occasion of the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, in conjunction with the secular celebration and commemoration of the Labour Day in many countries, celebrated on the first day of May each year.
SAINT JOSEPH IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
When we search the Scriptures, we find St. Joseph present in the early life of Jesus: betrothed to Mary; present at the Nativity; in the home at Nazareth; at the temple in Jerusalem. He spoke no words quoted in the Gospel. He is called righteous and just. He was identified as a carpenter, a worker. And, yet, despite the fact that there is not an abundance of biblical references to him, Joseph’s prominent role in Jesus’ and Mary’s life as their guardian and protector and provider, earned him the Church’s attention throughout history. Two feasts are assigned to him in the Church’s calendar: one, as “Husband of Mary” on March 19; the other – today’s feast – as “the Worker.” Although Joseph is silent in the Scriptures, his place as the one who provided for his family speaks volumes through the ages. It is fitting for us, as Catholics, seeking to be close to Christ in this time of need, to “go to Joseph” for his protection.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF 5TH WEDNESDAY OF EASTER (FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER), YEAR B
The Mother Church invites us to appreciate labor and work in terms of the following values
Vocation : Through labor and work, we give meaning to our existence. We realize that we are not just here to waste time and to occupy space. We have a unique role to play; we have contributions to make in our world.
Stewardship : Through labor and work, we show the highest accountability for all the talents and abilities that nature and education endowed on us.
Service: Through our labor and work, we employ our talents and abilities not only to make a living but to meet the needs of others.
CONCLUSION
Today we remember Joseph the worker. His small income allowed him to support his family, from day to day. The importance of Joseph’s role in providing the relatively secure environment in which Jesus could grow to maturity as a human being is probably underestimated. He certainly helped to create, with Mary, the religious environment in the home which allowed Jesus to grow in his relationship with God. Joseph’s faithfulness to his task created the space for Jesus to be faithful to his calling. Joseph reminds us that our own personal response to our own calling from God will always have huge consequences for others.
Happy Feast Everyone and God bless the works of your hands.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>
