St. Joseph the Worker

Homily for 1st Friday

May 1st
St Joseph the Worker

Have you been obsessed by “hands” lately. I have. I’ve been really fixated by hands since the news of the swine flu broke last week.

Hands are powerful gifts from God. With our hands we can hold someone, lift someone up, greet someone, carry our load, write a note or letter or email to someone, wipe away a tear, comfort a friend. Of course we can use our hands to do other things too, not so nice things.

Many men and women use their hands in fulfilling their daily labors. St. Joseph was a man who used his hands as a carpenter. He was a humble skilled craftsman who relied on his hands. His hands also help Jesus, his hands supported and cared for the little boy of his home who also is the salvation for the world. With his hands and his whole being he loved, cared for and raised Jesus the baby, the boy, the young man.

St. Joseph is not really quoted in Scripture. He does not have to be to know how powerful an intercessor he truly is for us, for the people of God.

What about the hands of Jesus. His hands did all those things already mentioned as well as blessed us, healed us, cured us, loved us, raised Lazarus from the dead, held bread and wine as he offered himself to the Father, carried a cross, opened wide to accept nails, were lifted up to the Father in prayer and praise as he resurrected and ascended.

What about the hands of our Priests? These consecrated hands bless us, absolve us from sin, anoint us when we are sick, baptize us, offer gifts on the altar, consecrate bread and wine as it becomes the body and blood of Jesus.

Yes, hands are important. On this May 1st, the memorial of St. Joseph the worker, we unite the work of our hands with that of St. Joseph, Jesus Christ, our faithful priests and we pray, prosper the work of our hands Lord, prosper the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17.

From today’s reading from evening prayer: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from him as your reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord.” Colossians 3: 23-24.

So on this May 1st, this first Friday, the memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, may we consecrate our work to the Lord, use our hands to give praise and prayer to Jesus Christ and may we ask St. Joseph, patron of workers and patron of the Church, to pray and protect us. Amen.