It depends on faith to those who follow the faith of Abraham. (Romans 4:16)
There has been a lot of talk recently about reducing our carbon footprint in the hope of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, which may be threatening our environment. The goal is to create as little environmental disturbance as possible during our lifespan so that we can leave a healthy planet to our children and our childrens children.
Have you ever thought about the size of your faith footprint? Have you ever thought about the lasting spiritual effects of your time here on earth? Surely we should be working as diligently to make our faith footprint as large as we can in order bring as much of Gods kingdom to earth as possible!
We may find it hard to believe, as we go about our everyday lives, that our faith footprint could be large enough or lasting enough to make much of a difference. But nothing could be further from the truth! Scripture and history themselves tell us that God often uses ordinary people of humble status to do great things.
St. Joseph is a textbook example of this. Sure, he was a descendant of King David and of Abraham, but that was generations ago. What could possibly lead this tradesman from Nazareth to imagine that his life would parallel that of his honored forebears? Just as Abraham was chosen to shoulder Gods first covenant because of his faith, and just as God made an even deeper covenant with David because of his passionate dedication to the Lord, Joseph was selected for the same reasons. God chose him to protect and shepherd the new covenant at its very beginning. These patriarchs alert hearts and bold faith left footprints on this earth too great to measure.
So as you honor St. Joseph today, take a few minutes to think about your own faith footprint. Ask God for the open, unpretentious faith of this carpenter. Then follow his example, and do everything you can to expand your impact as you bring more of his kingdom to earth.
Lord, give me the faith of St. Joseph. Help me hear your words clearly, and give me the courage to respond faithfully to the plan that you have for my life.
2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29