Just the introduction to Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, had me meditating on Saint Joseph. From the beginning, the pope refers to Joseph as a "lowly" carpenter. I have often wondered why. Carpenters aren't lowly, far from it. They have needed skills. I bet Joseph always found work, no matter where he lived. Everyone has needs that only a carpenter can fill. I have never read anywhere that Jesus went hungry, His needs were met.
Carpenters today need to follow blueprints, building plans, licensing or permit codes. Would a person with low cognitive skills be able to do that? Why "lowly" carpenter? Joseph may not have had to follow blueprints or follow municipal building codes, but he certainly had to be able to visualize the project, design, and layout. I call these attributes critical thinking. Why "lowly" carpenter?
Carpenters install structures and fixtures. I can't do that. Can you? A carpenter would be able to solve those problems. Why "lowly" carpenter?
Carpenters measure, cut, and shape wood and other materials. Again would a person of low cognitive intelligence be able to measure and cut accurately? So why consider a carpenter "lowly?"
Carpenters build frameworks, including walls, floors, rooves, etc. I imagine in Joseph's day they made tables and whatever else was needed. Do you think the people thought that those with carpenter skills were "lowly"?
And finally, carpenters repair structures. There's always a need for that, especially in Jesus' time before they had duct tape. Carpenters need to be strong, have manual dexterity, and don't forget communication skills.
Why in the world, would anyone consider a carpenter, "lowly"?
Pope Francis, you should know better than that.
No comments:
Post a Comment