Page 27 - Reflections on St. Joseph

genuinely human which echoes in man’s heart. Their community is composed of men,
who, united together in Christ, are guided by the Holy Spirit in their pilgrimage towards
the Kingdom of the Father and they have received a message of salvation to propose to
everyone. Therefore, this community feels itself to be truly and intimately united with
the human race and its story.”

During these months of pandemic, everyone has asked themselves about the meaning of
their experience, so unforeseeable and tragic. The image to emerge manifests all of man’s
frailty, the consequences of which, with the greatest probability, will accompany him in
the future. Profound suffering, such as the death of persons dear to him, especially the
elderly; the absence of that familiar closeness which is essential in moments of fear,
disappointment and feeling lost; the sense of helplessness of doctors, nurses and every
institutional worker; the doubts and crises of faith; the loss of work; the limitations of
social interaction. The pandemic will certainly have re-awakened in him who might have
thought himself able to sleep securely, the realities of injustice, of violence, of hunger and
poverty, of war and disease: disasters caused in large part by an economic-financial
system based on profit, which does not succeed in integrating fraternal social relations
and care for the environment. The coronavirus has shaken superficiality and
thoughtlessness, denouncing another pandemic, no less serious: that of indifference.

However, we know that a Christian is called to recognize and interpret the signs of the
times, invoking his gift of discernment. From this it is possible to try to change
perspective, not remaining fixed on causes and effects as much as on the possibilities
given us to be caretakers of life.

The coronavirus, not perhaps with the drama which has already overwhelmed us, has
however, restored to each of us some possibilities... The most evident to the eyes of
Christians will certainly be that of restoring a fundamental reality: the working of God.

The question comes of itself: that which is happening, can it be considered a working of
God? A legitimate question, which opens our eyes to visions of hope, rather than perhaps
the instinctive prayer to free us from this pandemic - something which would close us
into disappointment and blind fear, awaiting a sign from heaven.

Ask God the gift of wisdom so as to be able to enter, despite the tragedy of what has
happened, into that which is His conducting and accompanying our story; thus we
embrace a moment of salvation.

Workers of Hope

The entire biblical experience, whether in the Old Testament or the New, demonstrates a
constant dynamic capable of being applied to every event: enter into the plan of God,
adhere to the will of God; enter so as to understand with God, the meaning of that event.
Jesus Christ will be the most singular announcer of this as Son in continuous seeking of
the will of the Father so as to conform Himself to it.

Reflections on st. joseph 3