The life of St Joseph teaches us that if we fulfill our responsibilities with all honesty and with dedication then it will turn into a blessing and grace in the eyes of the Lord. In the year 1955 on May 1st Pope Pious XII declared St Joseph as the patron saint for all the laborers. As we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph the patron of the laborers, let us emulate the life of Joseph and turn our work life into a stream of blessing.

One of the names attributed to Jesus in the Holy Scripture is, ‘Carpenter’s son’ (Mathew 13:55). This adjective sum up all the troubles Joseph had to go through to bring up Jesus. Joseph was called the Just man by the Lord and Joseph ensured that he did his work justly and with integrity.

Working hard and fruitful labor is of Godly nature. When God created the heaven and earth He looked at his creation and exclaimed, ‘All is good’ (Genesis 1:31). It is the Lord who controls and brings our labour to fruition. The Scripture describes God as one who works and brings his work to fruition. The Psalmist in Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” And when Jesus said in John 14:3, “I am going ahead to build you a room in heaven” we can see that Jesus emulates the life of Joseph who helped build houses for many on this earth.

It does not matter what kind of profession we are in but are we able to work fulfill our work in all honesty and integrity and that is what will be considered in the eyes of our God. As we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, let us purify our labour through our noble intentions and mindset and prepare to receive the springs of blessing our labour will bring for us.

Fr Bineesh Mankunnel CST