As I work on getting into the
Christmas spirit, I like to think about the arduous journey to Bethlehem. I
don't pretend to be a biblical scholar. My relationship with God is my own.
It's real. It's a part of me, everyday. I don't find it necessary to shout it
from the roof tops. I rarely share much about it. But at a time when all the
songs on the radio are either "All I WANT for Christmas" or
"Baby Jesus"- centric, I like to think about St. Joseph's thoughts
and actions during those weeks prior to the birth of Christ, (and after) and
how his example is a model for EVERYONE, Christian and non-Christian alike.
He had to be scared. Did he worry
that Mary would suffer, or even deliver the child, before they had safely
arrived in Bethlehem? She was riding a donkey over 150 miles, and probably
visibly ready to pop. He wasn't a rich man. Was he concerned about the
financial responsibilities he was about to take on? He was Mary's spouse, only
because he put complete faith in what a heavenly angel told him. Do you think
he ever questioned his decision? He was tired. Wouldn't you be?
What does this have to do with us?
You and me. Today. All Faiths. Or, lack thereof. Let's consider for a moment, what the world would be like if
every person on this planet took these following examples to heart.
· Protect
those who need protection.
· Defend
those whom the world has marginalized
· Work
hard to provide for your family
· Feed
the hungry
· Clothe
those who are naked
· Lead
honorably
· Love
unconditionally
· Teach
those who lack adequate education
· Provide
apprenticeship and employment for the young
· Be
honest and pure of heart no matter what your circumstances within society
· Discipline
fairly, in the knowledge that discipline teaches self control and encourages
responsibility for self and others as children become adults.
· Listen
to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, (that small, still voice inside) and act upon them
Where
would the world be if we all emulated the life of St. Joseph? We need to do
these things, personally. Relying on government to take care of our families
and neighbors doesn't work. Our society will only be well and whole again, when
we get our hands dirty, and invest ourselves emotionally and physically into
our own communities.
Give
the world a gift this Christmas. Go out and be St. Joseph to someone in need.
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