ACCEPTING A SIMPLE VOCATION
“It is not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith.” - Romans 4:13
One of my favorite pieces of art is The Holy Family by Riva Giuseppe Bergamo that hangs in the Mission Church at Santa Clara University. A couple of years ago, I did my silent retreat at Santa Clara and would frequently visit and pray before the enormous painting. The figure I most identified with was always St. Joseph. He was the only person looking straight at the observer. His gentle and inviting gaze would invite you into the scene, while his right hand gestured towards the young Jesus. Wherever I felt a hesitation towards God, a dryness in prayer, or a resistance to change or give myself over completely to God, Joseph's compassionate look seemed to break through my doubts, as if he communicated, “I understand. Believe me. I know what you are going through.”
We know very little from scripture about this remarkable saint. In today’s Gospel from Matthew, we are told that Joseph was a “righteous man.” Before he fully understood the gravity of the Annunciation, he was “unwilling to expose (Mary) to shame” which signaled he was also a compassionate man. After the angel of the Lord appeared to him, we also know he was an obedient and humble man because he “dutifully took Mary into his home”, accepting all of the responsibilities that came with it. In these few simple verses from the Gospel, Joseph teaches us about the gift of a simple vocation. His righteousness allows him to sense God’s grace found in faith. His compassion shows his ability to recognize the vulnerability, goodness, and meekness of others. His obedience and humility demonstrate his willingness to trust the unknown. In the mind of God, Joseph was chosen to be Jesus’ mentor and temporal father. He was entrusted to care for Jesus, and he did so faithfully. We may sometimes wish for a heroic vocation that brings fame, fortune, and prestige. Yet, this humble carpenter teaches us that the most impactful vocation simply involves listening to God and loving those entrusted to our care.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Have there been times that I have doubted my personal vocation? How is God inviting me to be courageous and trust in him?
Alex Llanera, SJ