It is 1st May 2018. We celebrate the Memorial of St Joseph the Worker. The Pope Pius XII established this celebration in 1955 remembering all the laborers of the world. We wish all the workers our blessings and prayers as they make this world a better and beautiful place for us. Human labor offers the dignity and the goodness to every worker when they are not abused by the employers’ greed for more. St. Joseph is the patron of all working people, besides being the patron of the Church, fathers and carpenters and also of the dying. We all work in one way or another and so we all ae affiliated with St. Joseph. Wherever we work, may we be honest and sincere to the work that is interested to us. Let us not allow our minds be corrupted by laziness and unnecessary talking. God is watching over us all and willing to reward us when we work passionately without expecting human appreciations only. We all begin with much enthusiasm and willingness but as the days go by we lose our exuberance to offer the best. Our zeal drops low and we soon get discouraged because of evil company and co-workers who do not fear God anymore. When we are attacked, misunderstood, and mistreated by the employers, we lose hope. We all need the intercession of St. Joseph as we begin and end any work so that the Lord may bless our work. The Catechism so beautifully articulates in the following No. 2427 “Human work proceeds directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation by subduing the earth, both with and for one another. Hence work is a duty: “If anyone will not work, let him not eat.” Work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from him. It can also be redemptive. By enduring the hardship of work in union with Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth and the one crucified on Calvary, man collaborates in a certain fashion with the Son of God in his redemptive work. He shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work he is called to accomplish. Work can be a means of sanctification and a way of animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ.” This month is dedicated for the Marian Devotion specially to reflect and meditate the mysterious of our salvation in the Lord Jesus. The readings are from Acts 14:19-28; and the Gospel from John 14:27-31. The first reading strengths every one of us by showing the models of hard working in the persons of St. Barnabas and Paul. When these two apostles were abused and illtreated, they did not leave the Church or their preaching, rather they went enthusiastically all the more to work for the Lord far and near. Nothing could stop them just because of their enthusiasm and conviction they had on the hard work and they believer God would bless them. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Your friends O Lord, shall make known the glorious splendor of your reign.” (Ps.144:12). Jesus promises His peace in the Gospel. “”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Let us continue to participate in the redemptive work through our sincerity and commitment to Christ. May the Lord bless all the workers around the world and improve their living conditions and protects their rights. May you have a good day.