May 1st : St Joseph the Worker : Workers Day

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 4th Week - Saturday*

*May 1st : St Joseph the Worker : Workers Day*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 13:54-58*

*First Reading -  Gen 1:26-2:3*

*Joseph was known by his profession - Is he not the carpenter's Son*

*1) Is he not the Carpenter's Son*

In the context it is negative remark. People wanted to belittle Jesus. That's why they used this language

But on the positive side, we can also reflect that, Joseph is also known as a carpenter 

He was not an ordinary carpenter, but a well known and professional carpenter 

So ultimately people knew Joseph by his profession more than anything else

*2) His profession spoke loudly than his words*

There are hardly any words in the bible which were spoken by Joseph 

The Gospel does not record any words by Joseph

But the Gospel records the words about his profession, which means his work/profession spoke loudly than his words 

One who speaks loudly through his works than the words is a great person, because such a person is more at the practical level than at the theoretical level 

*3) Carpentry : one of the most needed works*

Carpentry appears to be one of the most needed works. 

Many of the things which we use in our daily lives are prepared by the carpenters 

Our house, and many of the things which are used in the houses, or in any other places are prepared by the carpenters 

Even the Cross, which was carried by Jesus was ultimately prepared by a carpenter

So one can not under estimate the importance of the carpenter in our day today life.

*4) Only few people are known by their profession*

Very few people are recognised by their profession

All those who work sincerely, all those who are committed in their work, all those who pay attention to their work  - excel in their work, and people recognise them through their work 

There are many people in the history who are known for their profession

Mother Theresa is known as the *saint of the Gutter,* because of her service 

Pope Pius X is known as the *Pope of the Eucharist"*

Some are known by their courage, simplicity, sincerity, humility, authenticity etc 

*5) How do I known to the rest of the World?*

First of all reflecting the life of St Joseph, how about my daily work? 

Do people recognise my work?. 

Do people recognise my identity through my work? 

A good labourer, good teacher, holy and praying priest, a good serving sister, a good nurse, a committed doctor, a just lawyer, a good mechanist, a faithful servant 

All these above are some of the titles, which are addressed to some persons who excel in their daily work 

What about my daily work? How do people recognise me? 

*6) Negative identity of the persons*

Some times people are also identified by their evil deeds 

The name Hitler is always identified with cruelty, massacre, and holocaust

The name Judas is always identified with betrayal and deception

The name Pilot is always identified with the crucifixion of Jesus 

The name Nero always identified with burning/fire and playing violin while Rome was burning 

Each of our deed will leave a mark on this earth 

*7) What about my Work?*

What type of work I am doing today? 

What type of service I am doing today to help my neighbour? 

Will I be identified or recognised through my good works or for evil deeds? 

Important questions of our life. 

Just reflect about it

*8)

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*