It is 1st May 2017. We celebrate the Memorial of St Joseph the Worker. Pope Pius XII in 1955 instituted the commemoration reminding us all that human labour brings dignity to individuals and that work is for the good of everyone. In every good work we do, we all can feel the presence and power of God in its fruition. Only through human labour, however least it may be, it makes us worthy partakers and participants in the redemption of Christ. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God through him.” (Col.3:17). St. Joseph is presented to us as the patron of all working persons. Every one of us are called by God to collaborate with the plan of God by our service to the humanity with or without material rewards. The readings are from Acts 6:8-15; and the Gospel from John 6:22-29. We thank God for this new month that reminds us the need to pray the Rosary and to have special Marian Devotion throughout this month. The first reading describes the arrest of St. Stephen for working and proclaiming the message of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The responsorial Psalm praises, “They are happy whose life is blameless.” (Ps.118:1). The Gospel passage urges us to work for God through our faith in Jesus and in our charitable living. “Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life.” (Jn.6:27). Let not our entire life be dedicated for the material welfare and upliftment only. There is a life beyond this material world that satisfies the peripheral. We need to work for our spiritual welfare too which will last beyond this life. May we be truly committed to work for the Lord and to enjoy the soul satisfaction in all we do and say. Let us vow to treat those who work with us as respectfully and lovingly. May you have a blessed Worker’s Day. May God bless you all.

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