St Joseph the Worker: Glorifying God by work

A very happy feast of St Joseph the Worker! Here are the readings and homily from a Mass celebrated by Fr Richard this evening

Readings: Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Psalm 90; Matthew 13:54-58

Homily: Glorifying God by work

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“This is the carpenter’s son, surely?”

The people of Nazareth couldn’t believe that a man from such a humble background could demonstrate such wisdom and miraculous powers. Life in the holy house of Nazareth - and in the close-by workshop – was “hidden” indeed. The locals clearly only recognised this family for its carpentry trade. They didn’t know and couldn’t accept the true magnitude of what happened in that house – the constant glory and praise of God who was in their very midst.

For St Joseph, being at home meant “perpetual adoration”. In the workshop, at the dinner table, watching the child Jesus sleeping, St Joseph was constantly gazing upon God. The Holy Family is truly a “school of prayer”. Not only did St Joseph lead a contemplative life looking upon Jesus and giving honour to the Mother of God who was amazingly also his wife, but this humble man also give glory to God by his work. Working with natural materials created by God who stood next to him, every action of cutting and constructing was done in praise of the Lord.

Apart from a pilgrimage every year for the Passover feast, it’s likely the Holy Family would have ‘stayed at home’. Does this phrase sound familiar? I’m sure we’ve all found all sorts of jobs to do around the house in these weeks. Perhaps the garden has never looked so smart! Whether our current work be of a professional nature, contributing in some way to the common good, or it consists of those simple tasks around the house, what we do can glorify and serve the Lord.

A period of work can be done in a prayerful spirit and we can offer it for a particular intention. I remember at the seminary at one time we offered one-hour periods of our academic study for the intentions of the Holy Father. At this time, what greater thing to do than to offer an hour of our work up for the protection of NHS staff and care workers, for example. St Joseph teaches us that not only our prayer but also our work can sanctify us.

Good St Joseph, help our households to become holy, as we follow the pattern of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Amen.