Saturday, May 1, 2021
Memoria libre de san José Obrero
Jesús llegó a su tierra y enseñaba a la gente en su sinagoga. Ellos, asombrados, decían: «¿De dónde le vienen a este esa sabiduría y esos prodigios? ¿No es este el hijo del carpintero?». Mateo 13:54–55
On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis announced the beginning of the universal celebration of the “Year of Saint Joseph,” which will conclude on December 8, 2021. He introduced this year with an Apostolic Letter entitled “With a Father’s Heart.” In the introduction to that letter, the Holy Father said, “Each of us can discover in Joseph—the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence—an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.”
The Gospel above, taken from the readings for this memorial, point to the fact that Jesus was “the carpenter’s son.” Joseph was a worker. He worked with his hands as a carpenter so as to provide for the daily needs of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Son of God. He provided them with a home, with food, and with the other daily necessities of life. Joseph also protected them both by following the various messages of the angel of God who spoke to him in his dreams. Joseph fulfilled his duties in life in a quiet and hidden way, serving in his role as father, spouse and worker.
Aunque hoy José es reconocido y honrado universalmente en nuestra Iglesia, e incluso como una figura destacada de la historia mundial, durante su vida habría sido un hombre que pasaba en gran medida desapercibido. Se le habría visto como un hombre común que cumplía con sus deberes ordinarios. Pero, en muchos sentidos, eso es lo que hace de san José un hombre ideal para imitar y una fuente de inspiración. Muy pocas personas están llamadas a servir a los demás a la vista de todos. Muy pocas reciben elogios públicos por sus deberes cotidianos. Los padres de familia, en particular, suelen recibir muy poco reconocimiento. Por eso, la vida de san José, esa vida humilde y oculta que llevó en Nazaret, ofrece a la mayoría de las personas inspiración para su propia vida cotidiana.
If your life is somewhat monotonous, hidden, unappreciated by the masses, tedious, and even boring at times, then look to Saint Joseph for inspiration. Today’s memorial especially honors Joseph as a man who worked. And his work was quite ordinary. But holiness is especially found in the ordinary parts of our daily lives. Choosing to serve, day in and day out, with little or no earthly accolades, is a service of love, an imitation of the life of Saint Joseph, and a source of your own holiness in life. Do not underestimate the importance of serving in these and other ordinary and hidden ways.
Reflect, today, upon the ordinary and “unremarkable” daily life of Saint Joseph. If you find that your life is similar to what he would have experienced as a worker, a spouse and a father, then rejoice in that fact. Rejoice in the fact that you are also called to a life of extraordinary holiness through the ordinary duties of daily life. Do them well. Do them with love. And do them in inspiration of Saint Joseph and his spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary who would have shared in this ordinary day-to-day life. Know that what you do each and every day, when it is done out of love and service of others, is the surest path to holiness of life for you.
Jesús mío, Hijo del carpintero, te doy gracias por el don y la inspiración de tu padre terrenal, san José. Te doy gracias por su vida ordinaria, vivida con gran amor y responsabilidad. Ayúdame a imitar su vida cumpliendo bien mis deberes cotidianos de trabajo y servicio. Que reconozca en la vida de san José un modelo ideal para mi propia santidad de vida. San José Obrero, ruega por nosotros. Jesús, en ti confío.
Reflexiones sobre la Divina Misericordia
Saint of the Day – Saint Joseph the Worker
Opciones de lecturas de la Misa
Featured images above: Saint Joseph the Worker
