Page 56 - Reflections on St. Joseph

Conclusion

St. Joseph Marello tells us that it is in St. Joseph that we find inspiration for our life and activity:
"The life of St. Joseph was consumed in work and in the exercises of piety, in prayer, fortifying the will
to want to consume everything in the work to keep the boy Jesus and Mary: such should be the life of
the Oblates of St. Joseph, an intertwining of the exercises of piety, study and work " (Rules 1892.6).

Vatican II asks: What is the meaning and value of human activity? How should its fruits and
resources be used? To what end do the efforts of both individuals and communities tend? (cf.
GS 34). St. Joseph's life is the answer to all these questions. He worked for Jesus and Mary.
Therefore, exemplar opificum, model of workers, is invoked and has something to say also to us
Oblates of St. Joseph, who must work, "silently hardworking" (L 83).

Our Founder did not hesitate to recall the example of St. Joseph to say that the Brothers
themselves must work, wisely distributing the time for study and work: "Intellectual and
manual labors should be combined together, as two means that lead to a single end: the service of God
in the imitation of Saint Joseph" (Letter 236). Whoever becomes a member of the Oblates of St.
Joseph chooses St. Joseph as the model and teacher of his life.

It is good to remember a saying of St. Pope Paul VI, very similar to the thought of our Founder:
"Saint Joseph is the model of the humble whom Christianity lifts up to great destinies. Saint Joseph is
the proof that to be good and authentic followers of Christ "great things" are not required, but only
common, human, simple, but true and authentic virtues".

Let us pray to our model and patron saint to teach us to always appreciate the beauty of a simple
and laborious life.

Some questions for personal and community reflection:

• Do I appreciate and value work?
• Do I work honestly, diligently, patiently, with good will?
• Do I love and appreciate manual work?
• Do I keep a balance between "intellectual and manual labor" in my daily life?
• Do I take part in the fatigue of work as a disciple of Christ, in the style of Saint Joseph?
• How much do I love doing 'ordinary things in an extraordinary way'?

32 Reflections on st. joseph