Having a Humble Opinion of Self [1]

[Rich]

Having a Humble Opinion of Self [1]

EVERY man naturally desires knowledge (Aristotle, Metaphysics,
i. 1.); but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a
humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who
neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. ( Augustine,
Confessions V. 4.)
He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not
happy when praised by men. If I knew all things in the world and had
not charity, what would it profit me before God. Who will judge me by
my deeds?
--Imitation of Christ, Thomas À Kempis-- Bk 1, Chapter 2

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May 1: - Saint Joseph the Worker

May 1, is the beginning of the Month of Our Blessed Mother, Mary. It
is also the feast day of Saint Joseph the Worker, Our Mother’s
husband, and foster-father to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus. This second
feast day of Saint Joseph was instituted in 1955 by Pope Pius XII.
Celebrated on May 1--a day in which labor and those who labor are
celebrated in many countries across the world--the feast of Saint
Joseph the Worker reminds us of why in the Gospels of our Lord, Jesus
was referred to as “the son of the carpenter.” We are reminded, much
as we were on the feast of Saint Zita, that honest work, no matter how
seemingly trivial, unimportant, unglamorous, or menial, can be
sanctified. That is, hard work is the Lord’s work. Hard work is holy.
Through work we can sanctify ourselves and others, making each of us
participants in the work of redemption!

Saint Joseph was a model of tireless work, providing for his family
and our Lord. Pius XII emphasized this, proclaiming, “The spirit flows
to you and to all men from the heart of the God-man, Savior of the
world. But certainly, no worker was ever more completely and
profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived
with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work.
Thus, if you wish to be close to Christ, we again today repeat, ‘Go to
Joseph.’”

Many saints and popes have spoken at great length of the sanctity of
Saint Joseph and his work. Pope John Paul II said, “Saint Joseph was a
just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted
to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families.”

Blessed Josemaria Escriva declared, “St. Joseph was an ordinary sort
of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the
Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up
his life.”

Lastly, just a few days ago in his weekly address, Pope Benedict XVI
spoke of the feast day of Saint Joseph the Worker, proclaiming, "May
this day be an opportunity for deeper reflection on the meaning of
work and its proper place in family life. I entrust those of you
present here, and all workers, to the protection of St. Joseph."
Posted by Jacob

Saint Quote:
One single Mass gives more honor to God than all the penances of the
Saints, the labors of the Apostles, the sufferings of the martyrs, and
even the burning love of the Blessed Mother of God.
--St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)

Bible Quote:
Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew,
by a good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.
[James 3:13] DRV

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God, our Father,
Creator and ruler of the universe,
in every age You call man
to develop and use his gifts for the good of others.
With Saint Joseph as our example and guide,
help us to do the work you have asked
and come to the rewards you have promised.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.