Thursday, April 30, 2020

Fr. Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP - Homily for Friday Easter week 3- May 1, 2020 - St Joseph the Worker


Friday Ist May 2020
ST JOSEPH THE WORKER (Opt Mem)
Acts 9: 1-20, John 6:52-59
During this Covid-19 pandemic era and the resultant shutdown as a precautionary measure,  many people have been lamenting their inability to go out and work. As we enter a new month today, the Church calls us to reflect on the personality of St Joseph the husband of Mary as a model for all workers. In 1889, pope Leo XIII had set Joseph as the model for all workers. Joseph as we know was a very hard working man as a carpenter. With his work, he was able to take care of Jesus and Mary. In most countries, including Nigeria today, it is regarded as workers day and it is public holiday. Since most countries have been on holidays since March, it seems to make no sense that today is public holiday. We are called today to take whatever we do to earn a living very seriously because God blesses the works of our hands. It is a day to ask ourselves whether we are doing the right work and are exerting much energy into it. You cannot be doing what is wrong and expect God to bless it for you. It may seem good and enticing but at the long run it will be a disaster. Many people do not want to work but want to excel. St Paul tells us in 2 Thess 3:10, that those who do not work should not eat. This is to encourage everyone to try their best to work for what they eat. Nevertheless, we are also encouraged to assist others, especially those who either have no work or are unable to work with what we have.
In the first reading of today, we see the zeal which St Paul went about his work of killing Christians. He did it very well because he considered it his work. When he discovered that he was doing the wrong work, he was converted and he used the same zeal or even more to preach the word of God. 
God has called us to become co-creators with him. Whether you build a mansion or a chair, whatever profession you work or the type of work you do, what matters is your conscience and zeal for the work.
As we enter the month of May today, let us also not forget that it is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should intensify our devotion to her this month, that God should bless the works of our hands. God help us.  Amen
Happy new month.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP

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