Saint Joseph has a lot of qualities that every man and father can emulate. He is known for being just, a silent worker, the protector of the Holy family, a pious man, obedient, and a good provider among many others.

Saint Joseph was a good provider for his family. Every compensation that he got from his humble job as a carpenter, he used for the well-being of Mary and Jesus. Saint Joseph needed to work so that he could provide for their family’s daily needs. He shows us what a responsible father should be: through his labor, he builds a family founded on love. All his actions are done out of love.

The example of Saint Joseph inspires me to become a good provider to the “family” God has designed for me. This family is the flock God will entrust to me in the future ministry. I am challenged how I could be more like Saint Joseph—always ready to provide for the family and to those in need. In the ministry, there will always be people would come to ask help and support. God also provides this opportunity for us to be of help to them.

When I was in one parish in Canlaon City, the child of our laundress approached me. He asked if he may have an apple. This unassuming gesture from a child so moved me that I accompanied him to get some from the fruit tray. He was very happy to receive them and his face could not hide his satisfaction. I felt a jolt of joy too but at the same time some dissatisfaction. I was joyful because I was able to “provide” for the kid at that very moment but also I was dissatisfied because I felt that that little gesture of kindness was not enough. I thought I could have given more from my own resources, not just the fruits left over.

Aside from material goods which we are capable of giving, what else could we give? Prayers, knowledge, wisdom, guidance, and skills are good but I know that I can still give more. Perhaps ultimately, my own life for others. Like any responsible father who is willing to put his life in danger for the sake of the family, I pray that I may also do. Formation provides opportunities for me to grow in self-giving. It can take the form of catechizing our altar servers and organizing them accordingly. It can be sharing a skill or a recipe which they could take advantage in developing a source of livelihood.

The beauty of the priesthood lies in the call for self-giving and self-sacrifice in the name of Love. Like Saint Joseph, may God grant me a heart so big as to embrace those God entrusted to me and provide for their spiritual and material needs.

By: Sem. Ace Vergel D. Quilope

Today’s Gospel

Mt 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.
They were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?
Is he not the carpenter’s son?
Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
Are not his sisters all with us?
Where did this man get all this?”
And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and in his own house.”
And he did not work many mighty deeds there
because of their lack of faith.