Is he not the carpenter’s son? (Matt 13:55a)

Today is the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker.  Pope Francis has marked this year in honor of Saint Joseph.

For Catholics, Joseph has become an icon of the dignity of work, although on other feast days in the liturgical year his role as foster father takes precedence. In Scripture, Joseph is the great silent figure. He utters not a word, although in Matthew he is the recipient of some “dreams” (like his Old Testament namesake) that help save Jesus and his mother from King Herod. Today’s gospel simply indicates in a backhanded way that Jesus was his “son”—the son of a carpenter, the only place where Joseph’s trade is mentioned.

Do you know anyone named Joseph? Wish them a blessed feast day today and say a prayer for them and their loved ones. Do you know anyone who hates their work? Initiate a conversation with them about the pros and cons of work and how to make the most of it.