1 May, 2023 | Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter (Optional Memoria -St Joseph the Worker )

April 30, 2023

Gospel Mt 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.

They were astonished and said,

"Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?

Is he not the carpenter's son?

Is not his mother named Mary

and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

Are not his sisters all with us?

Where did this man get all this?"

And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them,

"A prophet is not without honor except in his native place

and in his own house."

And he did not work many mighty deeds there

because of their lack of faith.

Reflections:

When God created human beings, God raised them to the dignity of being in God’s image and likeness. Calling them to the state of perfection just as God is perfect. St Joseph the Worker, the carpenter took upon himself the responsibility to take Mary as his wife and be the foster father of Jesus not merely because of the words of the angel but because he was a man whose Heart was capable of loving. He reflected in his actions that original image that God intended for human beings. Jesus is recognised by his profession as carpenter by his own people and that led to the confusion how a carpenter’s son could be so knowledgeable and has authoritative power over his words and actions.