On this memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, the Church holds up St. Joseph as an example of a worker who let God have total control over his work. Many people move their families from place to place because of their work. Joseph moved his family from place to place because of his obedient faithfulness to God's commands.

Each time he moved, Joseph had to go back to square one to start his work. He moved from his hometown of Nazareth to Bethlehem because of the census (Lk 2:4). Joseph placed a higher priority on serving Jesus and Mary than on building up his carpentry business. Then after Jesus was born, Joseph presumably began to establish a carpentry shop in Bethlehem. Joseph was a worker, but his main work was to have faith in his Foster-Son, Jesus (Jn 6:29). Working for Jesus took priority over Joseph's job.

God then commanded Joseph to drop everything and flee immediately to Egypt (Mt 2:13). It's doubtful Joseph was even able to bring along his tools. In a new land, with a new language, as a foreigner and refugee, somehow Joseph had to find work and support the Holy Family. "All depends on faith" (Rm 4:16), and Joseph's work was completely guided by his faith (see Jn 6:29).

After a few years, Joseph would have established himself in Egypt. Once again, God called him "out of Egypt" (Mt 2:15) back to his hometown, Nazareth. This time, God prospered the work of Joseph's hands (Ps 90:17) by sending him back to his hometown, his tools, and his original clientele. God restored Joseph's work because Joseph faithfully put his work at the service of God.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005

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