Friday Ist May 2020
ST JOSEPH THE WORKER (Opt Mem)
Acts 9: 1-20, John 6:52-59
During this Covid-19 pandemic era
and the resultant shutdown as a precautionary measure, many people have been lamenting their
inability to go out and work. As we enter a new month today, the Church calls
us to reflect on the personality of St Joseph the husband of Mary as a model
for all workers. In 1889, pope Leo XIII had set Joseph as the model for all
workers. Joseph as we know was a very hard working man as a carpenter. With his
work, he was able to take care of Jesus and Mary. In most countries, including
Nigeria today, it is regarded as workers day and it is public holiday. Since most
countries have been on holidays since March, it seems to make no sense that
today is public holiday. We are called today to take whatever we do to earn a
living very seriously because God blesses the works of our hands. It is a day
to ask ourselves whether we are doing the right work and are exerting much
energy into it. You cannot be doing what is wrong and expect God to bless it
for you. It may seem good and enticing but at the long run it will be a
disaster. Many people do not want to work but want to excel. St Paul tells us
in 2 Thess 3:10, that those who do not work should not eat. This is to
encourage everyone to try their best to work for what they eat. Nevertheless,
we are also encouraged to assist others, especially those who either have no
work or are unable to work with what we have.
In the first reading of today, we
see the zeal which St Paul went about his work of killing Christians. He did it
very well because he considered it his work. When he discovered that he was
doing the wrong work, he was converted and he used the same zeal or even more
to preach the word of God.
God has called us to become
co-creators with him. Whether you build a mansion or a chair, whatever
profession you work or the type of work you do, what matters is your conscience
and zeal for the work.
As we enter the month of May
today, let us also not forget that it is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We should intensify our devotion to her this month, that God should bless the
works of our hands. God help us. Amen
Happy new month.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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