Day 30: St. Joseph and Our Hope for the World

BY MAUREN MCCANN WALDRON | March 19, 2015
Today’s Readings 

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Giant dovetails [the angle is not 90 but 120 degrees] from the altar of a wooden church in Valcea County, XIX century, Romania Photo Credit: fusion of horizons//flickr

Giant dovetails [the angle is not 90 but 120 degrees] from the altar of a wooden church in Valcea County, XIX century, Romania Photo Credit: fusion of horizons//flickr

Today we celebrate St. Joseph. As a carpenter, he surely understood nature, wood and the interconnectedness of the world.

He taught Jesus about farming, growing cycles and pruning trees or vines. He pointed out shepherds in the field and their care for their flocks. He showed Jesus the beauty of wood and the wonder of how each piece fits together

Our hope for today’s world is a deeper awareness of our interconnected with our world. We see some progress, with our forests being replanted, rivers cleaned and a renaissance in organic farming. We are impatient with this slow recovery, but we can picture St. Joseph, explaining patiently, that knowledge and wisdom take time. God’s work takes time.

When the angel appeared to Joseph, he told Joseph not to be afraid because the child Mary bore “will save his people from their sins.” That remains our hope for our world.

Reflection Questions:

  • Where do I find hope today in the recovery of our earth’s resources?
  • What message might St. Joseph have for me in my impatience?
  • What is my role and responsibility in the earth’s recovery?

Maureen McCann Waldron is Associate Director of the Collaborative Ministry at Creighton University and Co-founder of the Online Ministries web site.

1 reply
  1. Frank O'Brien
    Frank O'Brien says:

    Since this is feast of St. Joseph, it is ok to be fanciful in picturing him.?but don’t treat him as though he had today’s knowledge. At best he may have thought the sun revolved around the earth. And don’t think that we understand everything today.
    Deal with the sustainable population issue. Imagine us all living in the densest possible living conditions.. We won’t even have room for this ecosphere.
    Smile.

    Reply

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