joseph vs. communism
"Where did this Man get such wisdom and miraculous powers? Isn't this the carpenter's Son?" —Matthew 13:54-55
In 1955, Pope Pius XII instituted this feast day in honor of St. Joseph the Worker. He put the feast on this day to oppose the May Day military celebration of the Communist world. It seemed so foolish of Pius XII to bring up Joseph, the poor carpenter of Nazareth, to confront Soviet military might. Joseph seemed even less likely of defeating the mammoth Communist machine than David against Goliath. In a few short decades, however, Soviet Communism was shattered.
May Day has lost its triumphal glory. The Lord has conquered. Christianity has defeated Communism. Joseph has conquered in the name of his Foster Son, Jesus (see Rm 8:37). Joseph the Worker has conquered by faith. "This is the work of God: have faith in the One Whom He sent" (Jn 6:29). "All depends on faith, everything is grace" (Rm 4:16). "The power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours. Who, then, is conqueror of the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 Jn 5:4-5).
Prayer: Father, may I choose a lifestyle that will maximize opportunities for developing my faith in You. Saint Joseph, pray for me.
Promise: "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through Him." —Col 3:17
Praise: Ellen and Edward, an engaged couple, prayed a novena to St. Joseph for him to find work so they could marry. In mid-novena, on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, Edward was offered a good job.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Hold Fast to the Faith on audio AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 9, 2009
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