Tuesday, May 1, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION -TUESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER
St. Joseph the Worker ( May Day)
Genesis 1:26-2:3 or Colossians 3:14-15,23-24/ Psalm 89:12-14,16 / Matthew 13:54-58
HAVE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK
Beloved, pope Pius XII instituted the liturgical feast of St. Joseph the Worker and assigned it to the first day of May, when he granted audience to the Catholic Association of Italian workers on 1st May, 1955. In the story of creation, God teaches us the importance and dignity of work and rest. We are called upon to acknowledge God as the Creator of all. God is the source of strength and wisdom. Work is not a punishment, but dignity of life and a duty imposed by the Creator. Work is a means by which we share in the task of creation. Laziness is an enemy of work. A certain man tried to encourage his children to have a positive attitude towards work. He told them that, "work is very sweet". One of the sons retorted, "Daddy, if work is sweet, what about going for parties or other good places to celebrate?" Their father said, "Any one who works hard and uses the fruits of his or her labour to celebrate is sweeter than a lazy person going about aimlessly." We are to balance our work with being dedicated to God, our family and friends. We are to work with smiles and use friendly words and approach. Whatsoever else you do, do all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Friends, Jesus teaches us the importance and the need to visit our families or attend home coming. However, Jesus' own people interpreted his life and ministry differently. They saw him as the carpenter' s son. Familiarity breeds contempt, so to speak. The way Jesus' own people branded him teaches us or reminds us the challenges or the ups and downs of working among our own people and attitude of our peers or people who are very close to us. Let us pray for the grace to develop a positive attitude towards work. May God also bless the work of our hands. Let us commit the issue of unemployment into God's hands. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (0206954323 /0240308878)