Tuesday of the
Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a)
Although St. Joseph the Worker is an optional memorial,
it is one of those feast days that most Catholics remember. It is fitting, therefore, to apply the readings
for the Easter season to work. Fortunately,
it can be done today without stretching the meaning of at least the first
reading.
The passage from Acts describes the glory and the hardship
of the work of the apostles. Paul and
Barnabas have successfully evangelized apparently thousands of people. When they return to Antioch, they duly celebrate
their accomplishment. The job has not
been easy, however. Today’s reading also
depicts Paul being stoned and left for dead.
All work has similar benefits and costs. Even in pitching hay a worker develops some
skill. Honest work also brings the
satisfaction of contributing to the common good. On the other hand, work contains elements that
challenge physically, mentally, and emotionally. As the apostles did at the start of their
mission, we want to commend our work to God.
And as they no doubt include in their celebration, we need to thank God
for work accomplished.
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