Old Testement

ST. JOSEPH THE WOOD WORKER

This catholic fine art print is centered on St. Joseph the woodworker-carpenter. This image composed of inlaid wood depicts St. Joseph working in his carpenter shop. In the history of Christian hagiography, Joseph is often portrayed working in his shop with Jesus at his side. Jesus himself is referred to as the carpenter or the carpenter's son in the accounts of the Gospel (Mark 6:3...Is he not the carpenter). According to all traditional accounts Jesus learned from Joseph woodworking craftsmanship in his early and adolescent years, as was the custom in father-son apprenticeship and himself became a master craftsman. According to all sources of tradition Jesus spent most of life quietly working as a master carpenter in Nazareth. The intimacy and love between Joseph and Jesus can only be imagined as they worked together for many years. The sanctification of labor as well as labor being a means of sanctification was forged in this personal and professional relationship. With and through Christ, work has gained a new depth of meaning and grace in working out our salvation. Labor of whatever sort can now be consciously is offered as act of praise and thanksgiving and cooperation with God in creation as well as an act of reparation. After centuries of pondering the life of Joseph, the Church (popes, theologians, saints, etc.) has written many works about him as well as recognizing his role in the life of the church. After realizing him to be patron (one who is a role model as well as one with particular intercessory privilege) of the dying, patron of fathers, and patron of the universal church, Pope Pius XII recognized ST. Joseph as the patron of workers in 1955 and instituted a new feast day in the liturgical calendar for May 1 - St. Joseph the worker.

Above the central image is a dove representing the Holy Spirit, who led and sanctified Joseph throughout his life. Cascading down from the Holy Spirit is a fiery ribbon the represents the grace that the Holy Spirit poured into Joseph and which he cooperated with in obedience, humility and love. On the outer edges of the window are seven fiery stars that represent the seven spirits that surrounds the throne of God in heaven (book of Revelation). Surrounding the central image are twenty light blue circles, which represents the twenty mysteries of the rosary. The rosary is a contemplative prayer on the life of Jesus on earth, which Joseph played an important part, and the Glory of Jesus in heaven in which Joseph shares. On either side of the central image are large circles, each containing the five-pointed star of the Old Testament and the eight-pointed star of the New Testament, which represents sacred scripture. On the lower left of the window is a large circle containing a heart with flames bursting from its top. The heart and flames represent the profound and passionate love Joseph had for his foster son and his Lord - Jesus. On the lower right of the window is a large oval, which contains a gothic monstrance. The monstrance which contains the Eucharist for adoration, is a work of human hands and is an example how our work is form of praise, worship and thanksgiving as well cooperation in creation with God by using the talents he has given us for his glory and the common good of all.

Catholic fine art prints - innerwindows.net