SCRUTATIO SCRIPTURAE
τέκτων
TEKTON
(CARPENTER)
Scrutatio
for the
FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF WORKERS
(May 1, 2013 Thursday)
Readings from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
Genesis 1:25-2:3 or Colossians 3:13-14, 17 and 23-24 / Psalm 90
/ Matthew 13:54-58
Readings for the Pauline/Vatican II Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Genesis 1:25-2:3 or Colossians 3:13-14, 17 and 23-24 /
Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14 and 16. / Matthew 13:54-58
Readings for the Tridentine Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Introit: Wisdom of King Solomon 10:17 and Psalm 127:1
(Psalm 127 is a PRO-LIFE and PRO-FAMILY PSALM)
Epistle: Colossians 3:13-14, 17
Gradual and Alleluia:
Psalms 91:15
V. Obtain for us, Joseph, grace to lead an innocent life, that we may always be protected by your patronage. Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Gospel
Matthew 13:54-58
Offertory:
Communion Antiphon: Matthew 13:54-55
For today’s FEAST OF THE HOLY ROLE MODEL OF FATHERS AND WORKERS, JOSEPH OF NAZARETH, THE CHASTE SPOUSE OF OUR IMMACULATE MOTHER AND FOSTER FATHER OF OUR BLESSED LORD, let us meditate on these BLESSED WORDS from the SECOND ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF THE VATICAN, its Pastoral Constitution, GAUDIUM ET SPES, paragraphs 33-34:
The worldwide activity of man
By his labor and abilities man has always striven to improve the quality of his life. Today, particularly by means of science and technology, he has extended his mastery over almost the whole of nature, and still continues to extend it. Through the development of the many means of communication among nations, the human family is coming to see itself, and establish itself, as a single worldwide community. As a result, where formerly man looked especially to supernatural forces for blessings, he now secures many of these benefits for himself, thanks to his own efforts.
In the face of this vast enterprise now engaging the whole human race, men are asking themselves a series of questions. What is the meaning and value of all this activity? How should these benefits be used? Where are the efforts of individuals and communities finally leading us?
The Church is the guardian of the deposit of God's word, from which are drawn the principles of the religious and moral order. Without always having a ready answer to every question, the Church desires to integrate the light of revelation with the skilled knowledge of mankind, so that it may shine on the path which humanity has lately entered.
Those who believe in God take it for granted that, taken by itself, man's activity, both individual and collective - that great struggle in which men in the course of the ages have sought to improve the conditions of human living - is in keeping with God's purpose.
Man, created in God's image, has been commissioned to master the earth and all it contains, and so rule the world in justice and holiness. He is to acknowledge God as the creator of all, and to see himself and the whole universe in relation to God, in order that all things may be subject to man, and God's name be an object of wonder and praise over all the earth.
This commission extends to even the most ordinary activities of everyday life. Where men and women, in the course of gaining a livelihood for themselves and their families, offer appropriate service to society, they can be confident that their personal efforts promote the work of the Creator, confer benefit on their fellowmen, and help to realize God's plan in history.
So far from thinking that the achievements gained by man's abilities and strength are in opposition to God's power, or that man with his intelligence is in some sense a rival to his Creator, Christians are, on the contrary, convinced that the triumphs of the human race are a sign of God's greatness and the effect of his wonderful providence.
The more the power of men increases, the wider is the scope of their responsibilities, as individuals and as communities.
It is clear, then, that the Christian message does not deflect men from the building up of the world, or encourage them to neglect the good of their fellowmen, but rather places on them a stricter obligation to work for these objectives.
May this FEAST CHRISTIFY OUR LIVES, OUR WORKS AND ENDEAVORS, AND OUR SOCIETY!
