By Pravin S, SCS –
Readings: 2 Sam 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Lk 2:41-51
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph who was a good husband, foster father, and a good carpenter. Some of the Catholic countries celebrate today as their Father’s Day. Pope IX proclaimed St. Joseph as a patron saint of the Universal Church.
Today, the liturgy of the word calls us to reflect on God’s covenant or God’s promise to humankind. We have three heroes from three different readings but what is common among them is God’s promise or God’s covenant.
In the first reading, God promises to David that his house and his kingdom shall be made sure forever. Second reading God makes a promise to Abraham and his descendants. In the gospel reading, Joseph was made aware but the child to be born is not of this world but through the Holy Spirit. Here the promise of the child will save his people from their sins.
Today to build a church, a temple, or a mosque has become power and prestigious. We are not able to keep up our promises that we make during our first Holy Communion and Confirmation. We don’t even dream or worried about our possession on earth what are we going to do? Are we going to build temples or churches? Are we going to make empty promises to God? Are we going to accept God’s plan? Today we are called build people with love and peace. Build families with good values; build communities with brotherly care and concern.