Joseph is the man on the outskirts, standing in the shadows, silently waiting, there when wanted and always ready to help. He is the man in whose life God is constantly intervening with warnings and visions. Without a complaint he allows his own plans to be set aside. His life is a succession of prophecies and dream-messages of packing up and moving on. He is the man who dreams of setting up a quiet household, simply leading a home life and going about his affairs, attending to his business and worshiping God and who, instead, is condemned to a life of wandering.
Beset with doubts, heavy-hearted and uneasy in his mind, his whole life disrupted. He has to take to the open road, to make his way through an unfriendly country finding no shelter but a miserable stable for those he holds most dear. He is the man who sets aside all thought of self and shoulders his responsibilities bravely — and obeys.
His message is willing obedience. He is the man who serves. It never enters his head to question God's commands. He makes all the necessary preparations and is ready when God's call comes. Willing, unquestioning service is the secret of his life. This is his message for us.
Author Unknown
A Prayer for Work . . .
Creator God, thank you for providing us with the gift to
share our talents. Provide our community, our nation, our world the fortitude
to provide work for all which is decent and fair. Make us faithful stewards of
your creation to enhance the human dignity of our global family. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
(From Being
Neighbor: The Catechism and Social Justice, USCCB)
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