I want to give a shout-out to my friend, Joe, who was from a small rural town where there was no internet or modern technology. An entrepreneur, he owned a wood-crafting shop which he inherited from his father. And, not only did Joe own the shop, but he also was its craftsman. He was the lumberjack, made the trees into lumber, sold the lumber and also crafted wood into basic furnishings, such as simple furniture for the residents of the town. He also repaired items like plows and wagons.
This craftsman honored his trade and mentored his only son in this craft, instilling in him the dignity of work. Joe had a work ethic consisting of dependability, integrity, honesty, fairness in pricing, and compassion, especially for those in need. These qualities he modeled for his son who embraced them whole-heartedly.
Joe was a devoted husband and father, giving himself fully and unconditionally to them. He was their guardian, their protector, and their provider. He did whatever he could to meet their needs for he loved them with his whole heart and soul.
Joe was a man of God. His deep faith and trust in God enabled him to surrender his own personal plans for the good of his family.
Throughout his life, Joe was attuned to listening to the voice of the Lord. In fact, he was into dreams and believed some of his dreams were messages from God. On several occasions, when acting on these dreams, he and his family were saved from peril and danger.
Although Joe did not live to see his son grow into manhood or his wife to reach old age, he is long remembered as a just, righteous, caring, and loving man. One who was a faithful husband and father with a deep faith and trust in God.
Here’s to Joe the carpenter and craftsman from Nazareth! May his memory live on to eternity!
By Sister Marie Leonard, OSB