Saint Joseph: A model for work

On the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, we reflect upon the life of this great Saint, the foster father of Jesus.

Saint Joseph is a quiet example. He shows how we work is a way we to love God. In the midst of our different work situations, we can grow in maturity and love more purely. He shows us that work is a gift.

In this podcast, Bishop Richard Umbers (Father Umbers at the time of this recording) explores how Saint Joseph is a model worker for all of us – students, workers and mothers or fathers alike.

REFLECT
How can I adopt a more holy attitude towards work (or study) as Saint Joseph did?

PRAY
(amended)

Glorious Saint Joseph,
model of all those who are devoted to labour,
obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously,
putting the call of duty above my many sins;
to work with thankfulness and joy,
considering it an honour to employ and develop,
by means of labour,
the gifts received from God;
to work with order, peace, prudence and patience,
never surrendering to weariness or difficulties;
to work, above all, with purity of intention,
and with detachment from self,
having always death before my eyes
and the account which I must render of time lost,
of talents wasted, of good omitted,
of vain complacency in success
so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all for Mary,
all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph.
Such shall be my motto in life and death.
Amen.

ACT
If you’re old enough, offer to babysit for someone for free; If you’re too young, spend some quality time with your parents