Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
REFLECTION:
Is he not the carpenter's son?
I see my grandsons enjoying the things their father enjoys. Baseball, soccer, swimming, ice hockey, mowing the yard, fixing broken fences. Though these are rough games and chores, the jobs can be hot and tiring. One can appreciate the tender moments shared between father and sons. The same, we can imagine and pray, that the years before His ministry began, Jesus spent quality time with His father, St Joseph. Learning, playing, laughing, just hanging around, and learning His father's trade --carpentry.
Jesus, too, was a carpenter. He worked side by side with His father and is a model of honest work. However, it seems that the people around Him did not think that highly of a carpenter. Is he not the carpenter's son? Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. Preconceived notions, biases, stubbornness, stiff necked people did not see many miracles due to their lack of faith. Be careful when we allow our negative thoughts to control our comments and decisions. Imagine all the miracles and good deeds we miss out on.
Today we celebrate the Memorial of St Joseph, the Worker, established by Pope Pius XII in 1955. It is distinct from the Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on March 19. This day celebrates the dignity of human work and the holiness of human labor. In 1870 Pope Piux IX had declared St Joseph the patron of the universal Church.
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