His Calloused, Nail-scarred Hands

The nail-scared hands of his adopted Son
Were calloused from the world of work and sweat
Where He had learned to be His Father’s man
In wondrous world where love and work had met.

And now where He is raised at Father’s side
He welcomes Joseph–taught Him how to be
A human man who for His family dies
And lives with Him to set all families free.

From Joseph’s labors we see now his fruit
That’s grown for us upon new Tree of Life–
Becomes for us a new life-giving root
That brings to Garden’s darkness His dawn’s light.

Within His human nature Joseph see
As with Him new creation comes to be. 

IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER’S DAY