The Memorial of St Joseph the worker

The Memorial of St Joseph the worker

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Acts 13:44-52, Jn 14:7-14. In today’s first reading, Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey into Asia Minor, where the Jewish religious leaders in Pisidian Antioch see themselves as guardians of orthodoxy and their opponents as reckless innovators. To complicate the issue, Paul and Barnabas’ innovative teachings on Jesus Christ are accompanied by a significant shift in the ethnic composition of the community. The threatening order was not merely doctrinal, but also physical. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul, Barnabas and their “delighted” group of Gentile converts were remaking the components of the Synagogue community.

In today's Gospel, Philip does not see clearly and wants to see the Father. Jesus had been with Philip and the other disciples for quite some time, yet they failed to see Jesus clearly. Jesus chides Philip for not seeing: “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." How often we fail to see the saving power of God" We think we see what God wants us to see, but we are blind to God’s true workings. We only see what we want to see. We close our eyes and minds to the greater things which only God can reveal. Jesus came that we might see and experience the fullness of God, yet sometimes we shut our eyes to what God is revealing to us. As we imitate the life of Christ, we ask St Joseph the Worker to pray to God for us to bless our work. On this day, as we celebrate "May Day or Labour Day", we remember the nature of Christian work and charity as highlighted in the role model of all Christian workers. Let us turn to God to show us His mercy, love and compassion and on the world.

May the Lord continue to guide and bless us in our efforts to earn our living, show us His mercy and love and dwell in us and we in Him! Amen!! Stay safe and Happy New Month!!!

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