ACTS 13:44-52; PSALM 98; JOHN 14:7-14
In the gospel Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?” Philip could be any of us; it is very much possible to be in the Church for years without knowing who Jesus is. This explains why some persons can still deviate from the faith even after years of practicing the faith. Beloved, like every other relationship, our relationship with Jesus grows depending on the time, commitment and attention given to Jesus. Unlike the Jews in the first reading, who were prompted by jealousy, used blasphemies and contradicted everything Paul said, let us give added attention to the things of God.
Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker. This memorial was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 in order to Christianize the concept of labour and give to all workmen a model and a protector. By the daily labor in his shop, offered to God with patience and joy, St. Joseph provided for the necessities of his family. Thus, he is an example to all labourers. The liturgy for this memorial vindicates the right to work, and this is a message that needs to be heard and heeded in our modern society that has prayer to replace laziness.
LET US PRAY
O God, Creator of all things, who laid down for the human race the law of work, graciously grant that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage we may complete the works you set us to do and attain the rewards you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
HAPPY NEW MONTH
