Page 51 - Reflections on St. Joseph

SAINT

JOSEPH

The Hardworking Man

Fr. John Attuli, OSJ

Introduction

T
he notion of work is often associated with that of fatigue. But work is more than just
fatigue, otherwise people wouldn't feel so confused when they lose it. "To kill a man, you
don't need to take his life away, just take his job away" (Pino Aprile). We experience it
during this period of coronavirus, covid-19.

In modern societies, having a job is important for maintaining self-esteem. Even when working
conditions are relatively harsh, hard and boring, work tends to be a factor of fundamental
importance for an individual's psychological well-being. In fact, the job offers intrinsic
satisfactions which probably assume a greater value than the money earned. Many people say

Venerable Pius XII

27

Reflections on st. joseph