The son of David will live for ever. — Psalm 89:37
Mass readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16 / Romans 4:13,16-18,22 / Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 or Luke 2:41-51
Calvin Coolidge was one of Ronald Reagan’s favorite presidents. Why? Because, though he was a man of few words and was subsequently maligned as a “do nothing,” he achieved much during his presidency: reducing the debt, cutting taxes four times, lowering the budget, and keeping unemployment below 4 percent. Maybe he didn’t talk the talk, but he certainly walked the walk.
Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, a man after both Coolidge’s and Reagan’s hearts. Not big on words but big on action. Searching Scriptures, we won’t find a single quote coming from Joseph, but we will find evidence of his effectiveness: caring for Mary as she gave birth in a stable, saving the infant Jesus from Herod’s murderous intentions, lovingly providing for humanity’s two most important people. Actions truly speak louder than words!
Prayer: St. Joseph, thank you for modeling what it means to be a “doer of the word.”