Feast of Saint Joseph

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Reflection on St. Joseph

A priest friend of mine once said the following in a homily celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph, “Everything that is written about St. Joseph in the Scriptures can fit on the back of a postage stamp.” While it is true that very little is written about St. Joseph we do get a picture of him and name him a “Just Man”, “Refugee”, “Dreamer”, and “Worker” among other titles.

Joseph the "Just Man": The New Testament tells us that Joseph was planning to divorce Mary quietly when he learned that she was pregnant. Despite his hurt, anger and confusion he decided to uphold her reputation by being discreet. What a lesson we can learn from Joseph during this era of Facebook, Twitter and all forms of social media that are used to shame and destroy the reputations of others. Like Joseph, let us respect and honor the dignity of each person and see in one another the face of God.

Joseph the "Refugee": When Joseph was told by an angel that he and his family were in danger, he fled to safety in another country. Besides the necessary measures involved in protecting his family, Joseph had to simultaneously rely on the goodness and charity of others. Can we see all families that wait at our Southern Borders as the “Holy Family” of Jesus, Mary and Joseph seeking refuge? Can we be relied upon by others to show hospitality and share our abundant resources?

Joseph the "Worker": Last March, I watched from the comfort of my living room all the frontline workers (healthcare, first responders, grocery clerks, truckers, funeral directors and so many others) who risked their lives to save lives, comfort the dying and make sure food and supplies arrived where needed. And didn’t we all experience an epiphany when the “ordinary worker” was soon recognized as an essential worker. Joseph did humble yet necessary work to provide for his family. Let us see Joseph in all those who do humble tasks.

And finally, Joseph the "Dreamer": Joseph’s dreams were anything but frivolous. As a matter of fact they were all quite serious and had Joseph not listened and discerned their meaning, the consequences would have been disastrous. You and I have had a year that literally stopped us in our tracks and brought us to our knees. Systemic racism, economic inequality, homelessness and lack of adequate healthcare for the most vulnerable continues to plague us. Spiritually speaking I believe God has given us this pause to observe, listen, reevaluate and discern our next steps. Can we turn to Joseph and ask him to help us dream a better future for our world and for one another? Like Joseph, are we willing to listen and follow our better angels?

S. Marie Mackey, CSJ
Director of Campus Ministry
St. Joseph’s College
Brooklyn, NY

Comments

  1. One might ask if we as the Church & a Catholic community are doing enough to aid the people living south of our border (where they live) to enable them to build community,family,culture,and flourish as a people without the necessity to seek refuge in the US. Also assist them to legally apply for citizenship and be screened as our forefathers.

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