Daily Scripture, May 1, 2025
Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker
Scripture:
Genesis 1:26b-2:3
Matthew 13:54-58
Reflection:
Where did he get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Jesus’ neighbors were puzzled and upset that this man from their town, who grew up there, spoke with such authority and wisdom in their synagogue. To them, he was just a carpenter’s son, not a student at some rabbinical school.
Joseph the carpenter took his responsibility seriously, along with Mary, to raise Jesus. Joseph never speaks in the Gospels, but we learn so much from his actions. When God needed him, when Mary needed him, when the young Jesus needed him, Joseph was present. He was the family’s guardian, protector and provider.
Back then, sons usually followed in their father’s trade, so Joseph would become Jesus’ teacher, too. We assume Jesus learned a trade because in the same synagogue scene in Mark’s Gospel (6:3), the Nazarenes call Jesus the carpenter. Joseph taught Jesus wood working and stone masonry, and they likely traveled the region together for work.
St. Joseph the Worker teaches us the same lessons he taught the young Jesus. Work is dignified and an intrinsic good. No matter the trade or role, the worker must always be respected and valued. Through the development of our talents and abilities we strengthen our families and communities. When we work, we share in God’s creativity of bring God’s kingdom here on earth.
Today, on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and the day dedicated to workers, let us pray for all workers, so that no one might be without work and all might be paid a just wage. May they benefit from the dignity of work and the beauty of rest. –Pope Francis
Mike Owens is coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scripture: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Matthew 12: 46-50 Reflection: “And pointing to his disciples, he said, here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father » Continue Reading.
Scripture Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Romans 8:26-27 Matthew 13:24-43 Reflection: And the one who searches hearts knows what the intention of the Spirit is, because he intercedes for the holy ones » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 Matthew 12:1-8 Reflection: Some laws are meant to be broken—at least, that’s what Jesus thought. Today’s gospel from Matthew memorably illustrates that Jesus was no » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16 Matthew 11:25-27 Reflection: I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth… At first glance, this can be a confusing passage…hidden from wise; revealed » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-17 Matthew 10:34-11:1 Reflection: Today’s Gospel seems in stark contrast with some of Jesus’ other sayings in Scripture. What does he mean when he says, “I have come » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Matthew 10:24-33 Reflection: What does a 5th century hermit cave dweller and monk have to do with us in the 21st century? We might ask that same » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Matthew 10:16-23 Reflection: Many years ago, I was teaching at a religious conference with a friend. She came to me distraught and relayed that without warning a » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9 Matthew 10:7-15 Reflection: Missionaries Should Wear Diamond Rings Beginning yesterday we read for six days Matthew’s instruction on being a missionary. Jesus offers encouragement: “The gift » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12 Matthew 10:1-7 Reflection: The Kingdom of Heaven is the Law of Love There is a spiritual battle in this world, and it is all about the law » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:32-38 Reflection: Two events in the last week make me wonder what this life business really all about. The first I was working in the » Continue Reading.