Today we celebrate one of the two feasts in honor of St. Joseph in the church calendar. His official feast day is March 19; May 1 is the celebration of him as patron saint of the universal church, social justice and of honest, faithful and dedicated work doing God's will as husband to Mary, foster father of Jesus and carpenter – in order to provide for his family.
Everything we know about Joseph comes from Scripture. He was not rich; but despite his humble work as a carpenter he came from royal lineage, a descendant of King David himself. Joseph was compassionate and a caring man – always ready to protect those he loved from outside harm and disgrace: Mary and Jesus. Joseph was a man of faith, obedient to whatever God asked of him without question, and without knowing the outcome. He took Mary as his wife under unusual circumstances; he took his new family and fled to Egypt at the bidding of an angel, without knowing why or asking questions.
We know that Joseph loved Jesus – he regarded him, cared for him and respected him as his own son – as any good foster-father would. Joseph probably died before Jesus' public ministry – in the company of Jesus and Mary – and is therefore known as the patron of a happy death!
Joseph is patron of the universal Church because the Church is the Body of Christ, the Christ who is his foster Son – and as he was protector and provider and compassionate advocate for the Holy Family – it is only right that he be considered protector, provider and compassionate advocate for the Holy Church! He is often times the forgotten member of the Holy Family; but thanks to feasts like this one today we are reminded of his position, his power, his presence and his desire to befriend all who would come to him!
The first reading today reflects the spirit of St. Joseph: whatever you do, do it for the love of God. Joseph did everything he did because he loved God first; and those God put with him in life, second, to prove that love. May we do the same today!
The gospel passage tells us that being a member of the Church would not be any easier for us than it was for Jesus who was not accepted in his own hometown. There is something about Truth and Light that many people are afraid of, for a variety of reasons. But with St. Joseph as our protector and intercessor we can continue the work that God has in mind for us to do to share his Friendship with others, to further the growth of his Kingdom and to prepare the world for the transition to eternal life.
St. Joseph the Worker, our protector, our advocate and our Friend, pray for us!
Lord, give success to the work of our hands!
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