(Optional) Memorial
of St. Joseph the Worker
(Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21)
American writer Marilynne Robinson has won fame for her
novel Gilead. As evidenced in the book, she can articulate
profound thoughts. In a separate essay entitled
“Humanism” Ms. Robinson queries the seven dimensions to being that string
theory physicists have added to the usual four.
She says that the concept, established in mathematics, changes how
humans consider reality. Like the Galilean
revelation that the earth is not at the center of the universe, string theory
makes even Einstein’s notion of relativity obsolete. It might be said that today’s gospel anticipates
string theory.
The passage has been called “the gospel in miniature” as
it goes to the heart of the Christian message.
It speaks of “eternal life,” whose root meaning is outside of time. The concept
of eternity presents a new dimension of reality. It cannot be experienced in its fullness, at
least, under present circumstances. It
is peace, joy, and – most of all – love in all their wonder. God, the Father, wills eternal life – the life
He lives with the Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit -- for the world. He has sent His Son, who is called Jesus the
Christ, to deliver it.
Today we remember St. Joseph the Worker. The feast day was established to support the
faith of ordinary people. Anyone who
works should celebrate today. But they should
not be content to give thanks for a job or even for the role of being
co-creator (perhaps, better, junior apprentice) with God. No, we give thanks to God as well for the
gift of eternal life.
