 | ||
| ST. JOSEPH WITH THE INFANT JESUS |
Guido Reni (c. 1635)
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Joseph the Worker. Let us remember the plight of workers and laborers throughout the world, particularly those who are not paid a just wage for their labors. Justice in the workplace is a two-way reality: Owners must pay a fair wage and workers must do an honest day’s work. In economic terms, labor and capital must work together to create a fairer workplace and a better world.
We ignore the plight of those in need because we do not realize the significance of a person’s suffering. We should do all that we can to ensure that the goods we buy are not products that result from the exploitation of workers. Let us also consider whether paying ridiculous prices for designer products is morally acceptable or not, when so many people struggle to put food on their tables. Could the money we spend on fashion be put to a better use?
The first day of May, traditionally named Labor Day because of the emphasis on work and its intrinsic goodness, has also found its way in the life of the Church. The Church upholds Joseph the Carpenter — the father of Jesus and husband of Mary. Twice in the Church’s year, St. Joseph is celebrated — on March 19 he is honored as the spouse of Mary, and today, May 1, he is celebrated as a model for workers.
St. Joseph was born in Bethlehem in 90 BC and died in Nazareth, July 20, AD 18. We celebrate his Feast day as "St. Joseph the Worker" every May 1. He is the patron saint of the Catholic Church, unborn children, fathers, immigrants, workers, carpenters, realtors, against doubt and hesitation, and of a happy death.
St. Joseph is a figure in the Gospels, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus and is venerated Saint Joseph in some Christian traditions. Christian tradition places Joseph as Jesus' foster father.
The gospels describe Joseph as a "tekton" (τέκτων). Tekton has been traditionally translated into English as "carpenter", but is a rather general word (from the same root that gives us "technical" and "technology") that could cover makers of objects in various materials.
The Greek term evokes an artisan with wood in general, or an artisan in iron or stone. But the specific association with woodworking is a constant in Early Christian tradition; Justin Martyr (died c. 165) wrote that Jesus made yokes and ploughs, and there are similar early references.
As we give our works to the Lord, let us ask Him to help us to be faithful and successful.
St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us. Amen.
From:
Kerygma
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fr. Brian Steel, MGL
