Our Model of hopeful trust!

We celebrate today the Memorial of St. Joseph under his title, “the Worker”. In today’s Liturgy we are reminded in the Office of Readings that Jesus “was honored to be known as the son of a carpenter.” (Invitatory Psalm). See also (Matt 13:55 and Mark 3).
We live at a time in our history when the economy is in dire straits. St. Joseph is the perfect saint for our time! Pope Benedict, speaking to the people of Africa in March, drew attention to St. Joseph’s courage and ability to trust God. “Throughout all of history, Joseph is the man who gives God the greatest display of trust…” And it is trust that we need at all times in our lives. “God alone could grant Joseph the strength to trust the Angel,” our Holy Father said. And he urged us to ask for the grace of trust. “Ask it of him! God loves to be asked for what he wishes to give…”

Pope Benedict encourages us: “Each and every one of us was thought, willed and loved by God. Each and every one of us has a role to play in the plan of God… If discouragement overwhelms you, think of the faith of Joseph; if anxiety has its grip on you, think of the hope of Joseph… If exasperation or hatred seizes you, think of the love of Joseph, who was the first man to set eyes on the human face of God in the person of the Infant conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

And the Pope reminded all young people that "Saint Joseph protects you!... Your life is priceless in the eyes of God! Let Christ take hold of you, agree to pledge your love to him and - why not! - maybe even do so in the priesthood or in the consecrated life! This is the supreme service."

St. Joseph, most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary

and Protector of the Child Jesus, pray for us!