St. Joseph the Worker
One
Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1955 to counter the “May Day” celebrations backed by the Communists world-wide. 35 years before, Pius XII’s predecessor, Pope Benedict XV, issued a document in which he warned the faithful of Socialism and Marxism, who were targeting workers. So, Benedict entrusted workers to the care of St. Joseph and encouraged devotion to him. As Benedict XV warned, “If implemented, these features (of the socialist program) will lead to terrible social convulsions, like those which are already happening … therefore…to save souls from Socialism, the sworn enemy of Christian principles, we recommend with great concern devotion to St. Joseph, to follow him as guide and to receive the special honor of his heavenly patronage” (Bonum Sane, July 1920). St. Joseph, we honor you today not only as a worker, but as protector of fatherhood, and families as well; to save us from the lies of Satan, who attacks these things today with great ferocity. Holy Family, be our victors!
Two
Why did these Popes offer such strong opposition to Socialism and Marxism? Afterall, as Christians, we are supposed to care about the poor and underprivileged. This care, however, must lie within the confines of truth and charity as revealed by Jesus; otherwise, we will fall prey to deceit. (cf. Jn 14:6). There are lies and dangers that come with these political ideologies which attack the very foundation of our Catholic faith. Those who hold these views are atheists and materialists, believing that only this world exists, which is why they are so tireless in their constant social and political efforts because happiness, they believe, can only be found in this life. They believe that inequality is evil, and that moral goodness is found solely in the removal or eradication of all so-called unjust social structures. Violent revolution is thus considered the just means. They deny individuality and therefore individual freedom, vying instead to create identity groups and organizing them based on who is the oppressor and who is the oppressed. Lastly, Marxists abolish private property, disregarding the fact that all earthly goods are ultimately instruments of God, as He is the first and last end and these are to be used to help attain that end (On the Reconstruction of the Social Order, Pope Pius XI). As Christ testifies, “I am the alfa and omega, the first and the last, beginning and the end” (Rev 22:13).
Three
These lies subtly lead one to oppose religion as they focus only on the here and now while denying spiritual realities. Marxists/socialists challenge or reject the fact that the Lord gives His gifts unequally, not because He shows favorites or is arbitrary, but because He expects generosity and hard work for His Kingdom. Afterall, to whom much has been given, much will be expected. These atheist philosophies always tend towards dictatorships and violence, while trampling on rights and individual dignity. When Jesus came, He didn’t throw out the Romans with revolutionary power but preached liberty from sin and love of God and neighbor instead. For this reason, He was crucified, while Barabbas, the murderer and insurrectionist, was freed. The fake Son of the father, for that is what Barabbas means, receives approval, but the true Son of the Father, Jesus Christ, is murdered. This fact, more than any other, reveals the demonic nature of the forces of social revolution.
Four
St. Joseph reveals in his labor as a carpenter and in his headship over the Holy Family, the dignity of fatherhood. In fact, Jesus is known as "The carpenter's son" which shows that even outside of his hometown Joseph’s trade was recognized. He must’ve been good. In fact, St. Joseph’s skill is how God the Father chose to provide for Jesus and Mary, which in turn reveals His providence for the world! Through skill, virtue, and hard work, God uses fathers to this very day as a powerful force to shape, lead, and even save families. Clearly Satan knows God’s plan and has been working overtime to destroy fatherhood in homes and so to destroy society. The father wound is all too prevalent. Every person has a deep longing in their heart to hear from their father the same words Christ heard from His, “This is my beloved Son (or daughter), in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt 3:17; 17:5). Our need to be loved and affirmed by our dads is so deep. For this reason, God gives us St. Joseph, a human dad who will not disappoint. St Joseph, protect our holy families, intercede to heal all father wounds, and help us recognize the Father’s voice that we are His beloved and in us, He is pleased!
Five
Let us recommit our lives to St. Joseph so to become more like him. Sit with him today and ask him to reveal his virtues and interior life, so that you and I can rest secure in his guardianship and protection from dangerous cultural trends. St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us!