This is one of my favorite pictures of the Holy Family. I like the “realness” of it – the blurry fatigued look on Mary’s face with the fat and pink baby boy nursing at her breast. She has no thoughts of covering up or modesty because she’s in her own home. I can certainly relate to that. When you are a tired new mama, modesty is the last thing on your mind. I can remember challenges with each of my children as I tried to get them to latch on and nurse correctly. When it worked, I was so relieved! To be honest, it was easier to be a little exposed at home so that I could work with each baby to get our nursing partnership off to a good start. This picture reminds me of those days.
But I also like St. Joseph in the background, doing his labor, hot and dirty but satisfying work that supports his family. I think it is very appropriate for today’s feast, Joseph the Worker.
During pregnancy, childbirth, and then nursing, Mr. Pete stepped in many times to fulfill his role as a worker, but then also to allow me to fulfill my role as a mother. Even now after working hard all week at his business, he stripes the soccer fields, and sets up goals. When the kids were growing up he made sure to see every track meets, cross country race, swim meet, soccer game, piano performances, and art show. And now as a grandpa, he stands there for Miss C. as well. He tries to follow the example of St. Joseph, the husband, father, and worker.
He also takes care of our “fleet” of used cars so that our adult children can get to school or work. On top of all that, he sings with the church group and with another faith choir and teaches Sunday school. He is definitely mirroring what it means to be a Catholic father and husband. He is protecting and supporting our family.
Today is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
In 1955, Venerable Pope Pius XII established this feast day specifically to counter the communists’ International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. Pius hoped that workers would look to St. Joseph’s example as a husband and father, as well as a skilled tradesman, for their inspiration and encouragement.
I think that is why on the first day of May, a month where we honor Mary, we give a nod to St. Joseph. And that’s as it should be. Joseph, blessed spouse and beloved foster father made it easier for Mary to fulfill her role as mother and homemaker. His work as a carpenter sustained the family.
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Things to do!
What a wonderful feast in the liturgical year and a good day to remember the husbands and fathers in our own little domestic churches.
- Tell Dad Thank you for all he does for the family.
- Maybe Mom and the kids can do one of Dad’s jobs today like taking down garbage or yard work. Noah is going to do some scraping outside so Dad won’t have to do it.
- Put up a statue of St. Joseph today and say a special prayer to him.
- Light a candle in church or at home in honor of St. Joseph or do it digitally.
- Read a book about St. Joseph! This is one of my favorite’s by Father Lovasik.
See my St. Joseph links on del.icio.us
Father Lawrence OP via flickr, licensed cc
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