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Master·evangeli.net

Today's Gospel + short theological explanation

May 1st: Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker
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Gospel text (Mt 13,54-58): Jesus went to his hometown and taught the people in their synagogue. They were amazed and said, «Where did He get this wisdom and these special powers? Isn't he the carpenter's son? (…)».

The dignity of the work

EDITORIAL TEAM evangeli.net (based on texts by Benedict XVI) (Città del Vaticano, Vatican)

Today, liturgical memory of Joseph the worker, we theologically consider the reality of work. The "Bible" shows how work belongs to man’s original condition. When the creator made man to his image and likeness, he invited him to work the earth... And the Son of God himself, making himself similar to us in everything, dedicated himself for many years to manual activities (He was the "Son of the carpenter").

Work is of primary importance for man’s fulfillment and the development of society. This is why it is necessary that it “always” be organized and at the service of the common good: man is subject and protagonist of work. At the same time, it is indispensable that man not allow himself to be subjected to work, that he not idolizes it, intending to find in it the ultimate and definitive meaning of life.

—A spirituality must be lived that will help believers to sanctify themselves through their work, imitating Saint Joseph, who every day had to provide for the needs of the Holy Family with his hands.