Genesis 1:26-2:3; Colossians 3:14-15,17,23-24; Psalm 90 Lord give success to the work of our hands; Mat 13:54-58
Work is often denoted with a negative connotation, but in reality work is any effort put porth to accomplish something, some goal.
What work did Joseph do?
"Joseph her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly." Mt1:18-19
Joseph worked toward guarding the reputation of Mary as she was found with Child.
"In a dream the angel of the Lord said to him, "Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit she has conceived this child...When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord directed him and received into her into his home as his wife." Mt 1:20-24
Joseph worked the work of ready obedience in promptly responding to the invitation of God.
"He had no relations with her at any time before she bore a son, whom he named Jesus." Mt 1:25
Joseph practiced chastity. He kept himself pure and his wife as well for love of God. His yes to God was a yes in all aspects of his life.
"So Joseph when from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to David's town of Bethlehem...to register with Mary, his espoused wife who was with Child." Lk 2:4-5
Joseph worked the work of fulfilling his civil duties in participating in the census even in the extreme difficult of journeying with Mary who was about to give birth.
"The Magi were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. They opened their coffers and presented him with gifts." Mt 2:10-11
Joseph worked the gift of hospitality as he welcomed the magi and humbly received the gifts they brought for Jesus. He became the custodian of these treasures in the name of Jesus. The carpenter was willing to humbly receive that which was meant for a king.
"The angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in the dream to Joseph with the command, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt." Mt 2:13-15
Joseph became the protector and guardian of the holy family in time of distress and anxiety.
"But after Herod's death, the angel appeared to Joseph in Egypt with the command, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and set out for the land of Israel...He got up, took the child and his mother, and returned to the land of Israel...he settled in a town called Nazareth." Mt 2:19-23
Joseph did not complain or cry fowl when he was asked to move once again. He worked the work of trust in allowing God to lead him where he need to be
"Where did this man get such wisdom and and miraculous powers? Isn't this the carpenter's son?" Mt 13:54-55
Joseph while in Nazareth got a job and entered into the work force earning the necessary income to support his family. He wasn't afraid of sweat and toil for the sake of his family. His holiness was rooted in the work of his hands.
In short, Joseph cooperated with the work of redemption and wrought the work of love, and thus the kingdom was built.
He did all this with out every saying a word. His mouth was closed but his heart was open and he changed the world for ever.
May we do the same, fill the work of our hands each day with redemptive grace and filial love.
What work do you do?
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