SOMETIMES WHAT YOU DO SPEAKS SO LOUD
I CAN'T HEAR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary
When I first started teaching, I taught elementary school. Every year in August, I would spend a considerable amount of time decorating my classroom, hoping that what I placed on the bulletin boards and walls would both reinforce the lessons that I would be teaching that year, but also would inspire my students. In hindsight, I realize now that some of the inspirational sayings that I placed there were probably too deep for seventh and eighth graders and undoubtedly went right over their heads. One of those sayings was this: Sometimes what you do speaks so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying.
Today, March 19th, is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary. It is one of the two feasts in the Church calendar given to the honor of St. Joseph. However, as you know, Pope Francis calls us to reflect on the virtues of great saint in this Year of St. Joseph. In thinking about it recently, I don’t think there was anyone who modeled that saying that adorned my classroom bulletin board better than St. Joseph, because even though not a word of his is recorded, his actions have so much to say. Here are a few:
- Saint Joseph was obedient. He was obedient to God’s will throughout his life. Joseph listened to the angel of the Lord explain the virgin birth in a dream and then took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20-24). He was obedient when he led his family to Egypt to escape Herod’s infanticide in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-15). Joseph obeyed the angel’s later commands to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-20) and settle in Nazareth with Mary and Jesus (Matthew 2:22-23).
- St. Joseph was a man of faith. Not only did he actively strive to hear the voice of God and implement God’s will in his life, Joseph also was a good Jew. This is evident in the events that surrounded the birth of Jesus and his obedience of Jewish law and custom – Jesus’ circumcision, naming and presentation in the Temple. In addition, Joseph brings his family to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Jewish feasts.
- Saint Joseph was selfless. In the limited knowledge we have about Joseph, we see a man who only thought of serving Mary and Jesus, never himself. What many may see as sacrifices on his part, were actually acts of selfless love.
- Saint Joseph led by example. Even though none of his words are recorded in Scripture, we can clearly see by his actions that he was a just, loving and faithful man. We often think that we primarily influence others by what we say, when so often we influence by our actions. Every recorded decision and action made by this great saint is the standard for us to follow today.
- Saint Joseph was a worker. He was a simple craftsman who served his neighbors through his handiwork. He taught his foster son Jesus the value of hard work. It is likely that the humility Joseph exhibited in recorded Scripture spilled over into the simple approach he took to his work and providing for the Holy Family. We can all learn a great lesson from Saint Joseph, who is also the Patron Saint of Workers, on the value of our daily work and how it should exist to glorify God, support our families and contribute to society.
- Joseph was a man for whom his vocation is more important than his career. When he was warned by an angel in a dream to leave Bethlehem and travel to Egypt so that Jesus and Mary would safely escape the jealous wrath of King Herod, Joseph may well have had much to lose in that flight. Back in Nazareth he had a career. But Joseph was a father and husband before he was a businessman. When his child was threatened, his first obligation was to Jesus and Mary. His vocation outweighed his career. In a culture like ours where too many parents make their careers and livelihoods paramount, Joseph points the way for parents: vocation should have priority over career.
- Joseph was a teacher. We learn from Scripture that Jesus too was a carpenter (Mk 6:3). It is obvious that it was Joseph who taught this trade to Jesus. It is not enough for a father to provide for his children, he must also prepare them for life. He does this through modeling and teaching Jewish law and tradition, moral values, discipline, moderation, hard work, self-control and many other life skills.
Sometimes what you do speaks so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying.
It seems to me that, for someone for whom not one uttered syllable is found in Scripture, Joseph was, indeed, very noisy.
Hail Joseph Son of David, God is with you! Blessed are you amongst men and blessed is Our Lord Jesus Christ! Holy Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us, and be with us, now and as we sigh our last breath. + Amen.
