On this year’s Feast of `St. Joseph, the Worker, which fittingly coincides with Labour Day, our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. James Patrick JJumba delivered a powerful homily reminding the faithful of the sacredness of work and its deep connection to God’s creative mission.
Fr. JJumba welcomed the congregation warmly, encouraging them to reflect on their individual contributions to the world through labor. He reminded us that this day, established by Pope Pius XII on May 1st, 1955, honors St. Joseph as a model worker — silent, humble, diligent, and full of action rather than words. “Work is not words,” he emphasized, urging everyone to move beyond commentary and criticism, and instead do their work diligently, lovingly, and with purpose.
Watch the Mass here:
Three Values to Guide Our Work
At the heart of the homily were three key values to help us understand and appreciate the work we do:
- Vocation
Work should be seen not merely as a means to earn a living, but as a divine calling — a vocation. God gave human beings the responsibility to care for His creation, a task first entrusted to Adam. Our work, no matter how small or unnoticed, is a participation in that mission of beautifying, protecting, and sustaining creation. “Through labor and work,” Fr. JJumba said, “we give meaning to our existence.” - Stewardship
We are stewards, not owners, of the gifts, talents, and education we possess. Our work is an expression of accountability — not just to our employers or clients, but ultimately to God, the giver of all we have. Fr. JJumba reminded us that we will be called to give account of how we used what we’ve been entrusted with: “Be accountable not just for profit, but for purpose.” - Service
True work must be rooted in service to others. We work not only to earn, but also to meet the needs of others, especially the vulnerable. Even when our service is not paid for, it carries value. “Some people may only need your advice — give it freely. That too is work, and it brings fulfillment,” Fr. JJumba encouraged.
Work as an Expression of Love, Family, and Faith
Work should never become a barrier to love, family life, or faith. Instead, it should enhance them. Fr. JJumba urged all to:
- Work with love, even in tough jobs.
- Make time for family, no matter how demanding the job is.
- Let faith shine through your work, glorifying God in all you do.
- Grow in charity, especially towards the weak and the needy.
He warned that any work that separates us from God, family, or compassion for others may not be worthy of our dignity as God’s children.
The Spirit and Intercession of St. Joseph
St. Joseph, though often silent in Scripture, stands as a powerful intercessor and model of work. Fr. JJumba shared a humorous but moving story about a young woman who, frustrated by unanswered prayers, threw a statue of St. Joseph out her window — only for it to fall on a man she would later nurse back to health and eventually marry. Even in chaos, St. Joseph can bring miracles, he said.
Although the parish’s new statue of St. Joseph is still delayed in transit from Kenya, Fr. JJumba reassured the congregation of Joseph’s continued presence and power in their lives.
Conclusion: Work for the Glory of God
In closing, Fr. JJumba encouraged the faithful to ensure that their work always leads to the glory of God and the salvation of souls. “If your work doesn’t bring glory to God or help save souls,” he cautioned, “you may need to re-evaluate it.”
He prayed for those with jobs, and those still seeking employment, that through the intercession of St. Joseph, all may find meaningful, dignified work that fulfills them and serves others.
“May the Lord bless the work of our hands. St. Joseph, pray for us.”
