The Memorial of St Joseph the Worker

The conversion of Saul, who was later known as Paul is reported in three accounts in the Acts of the Apostles (22:4-26, 26:12-18). Today's first reading provides us with the first account that points to the spread of the Church beyond Judaism to the Gentile world. With his encounter with Jesus the supremacy of the law is replaced with the primacy of charity; exclusiveness is overturned by universalism; legality and rigidity, by understanding and flexibility; and pride is subdued by humility. The conversion of Paul invites us to put Jesus as the centre of our life around which our life and sustenance revolves. To make Him the centre of our life, Jesus gave Himself for us as food for the journey in today's Gospel: "Whoever eats me will draw life from me.”

The same Jesus who gave His life for us on the Cross, gives Himself to us in Sacramental form, as our food and drink. He becomes Eucharistic meal so that we may draw life from Him. The life flowing from Jesus as He died upon the Cross, symbolised by the blood and water, is shared with us when we eat His body and drink His blood in the Holy Communion. We receive the Holy Eucharist in order to draw life from Christ, as branches draw life from the vine. As we live by the life of Christ, we ask St Joseph the Worker to intercede for our frontline workers, healthcare workers and all the personnel involved in the frontline of the battle against coronavirus pandemic, as well as others involved in the planning and the efforts to maintain the whole communities of people under this most difficult and challenging time. Let us turn to God to show His mercy, compassion and love on the world.

May the Lord continue to guide and bless us in our efforts to earn our living, may He show us His mercy and love, particularly during this most difficult and challenging moment and may He dwell in us and we in Him! Amen!! Stay safe and Happy New Month!!!