Daily Retreat 05/01/07
2007 May 1 Tue: Easter Weekday/ Joseph the Worker
Gn 1:26--2:3 or Col 3:14-15.17.23-24/Ps 89(90)/Mt 13:54-58.
May Day - Mary Day, and the Liturgical Labor Day
The first day of May is dedicated to the honor of Mary (whom the whole beautiful month of May salutes) and her husband, St. Joseph the carpenter. For many years, parishes have celebrated the traditional "May Crowning" of a statue of Mary, either on this day, or another convenient day early in the month. More recently, partly in response to the Communist toast of the working class on the 1st day of May, the Church also has established this day as a feast in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, to expound authentic Church teaching on the dignity of human labor.
Both the possible choices for the first reading situate human labor in the context of God's divine plan. The Psalm petitions God to "confirm the work of our hands," and the Gospel reminds us of God continued to sanctify human labor by appointing Joseph the worker as the foster father of Jesus.
Since each of us has work to do, today, and for the rest of our lives, rather than complaining of the burden that at times it can be, we need to capture the spirit of St. Joseph the Worker and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of May, whose labors of love were always fruitful works in God's plan of salvation.
Gn 1:26--2:3 or Col 3:14-15.17.23-24/Ps 89(90)/Mt 13:54-58.
May Day - Mary Day, and the Liturgical Labor Day
The first day of May is dedicated to the honor of Mary (whom the whole beautiful month of May salutes) and her husband, St. Joseph the carpenter. For many years, parishes have celebrated the traditional "May Crowning" of a statue of Mary, either on this day, or another convenient day early in the month. More recently, partly in response to the Communist toast of the working class on the 1st day of May, the Church also has established this day as a feast in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, to expound authentic Church teaching on the dignity of human labor.
Both the possible choices for the first reading situate human labor in the context of God's divine plan. The Psalm petitions God to "confirm the work of our hands," and the Gospel reminds us of God continued to sanctify human labor by appointing Joseph the worker as the foster father of Jesus.
Since each of us has work to do, today, and for the rest of our lives, rather than complaining of the burden that at times it can be, we need to capture the spirit of St. Joseph the Worker and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of May, whose labors of love were always fruitful works in God's plan of salvation.
posted by FrPitstick | 4/30/2007
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