Recognition and gratitude to those who appear hidden

When Pope Francis declared the Year of St. Joseph from December 8 2020 to December 8 2021, he was so much aware of the hidden heroes in the midst of pandemic. They are our front liners and simple people who used to be hidden and unknown yet who did selfless effort to save the lives of many in this time of crisis.

Pope Francis writes: “How many people daily exercise patience and offer hope, taking care to spread not panic, but shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday ways, how to accept and deal with a crisis by adjusting their routines, looking ahead and encouraging the practice of prayer. How many are praying, making sacrifices and interceding for the good of all”. Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.”

We have a lot of reflections and realizations brought about by the inspiration of St. Joseph. But if there is one thing we need to cherish and live throughout our lives as a fruit of our celebration of the Year of St. Joseph, that is to imitate the example of St. Joseph, hidden yet performed a very important role for the salvation of mankind. Even without being recognized, like St. Joseph, each one of us should do his part to make a better world. We need not be repaid at all times in order for us to do good for others. When we can do this, our reward is great in heaven.

Pope Francis reminds us: “Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.”
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, teach us to work hard for others without expecting for recognition.