San Giuseppe

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21 ESV).

Recently I saw a post from a cousin (Angela Emmite Tripp) with a picture of the “St. Joseph’s Altar” she did in her home. I remember this tradition very well growing up in our very Sicilian family. The tradition began in Sicily, where San Giuseppe is regarded by many as their Patron saint, and in many Italian-American communities, thanks are given to Joseph (the earthly father of Jesus) for preventing a famine in Sicily during the Middle Ages. According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if he answered their prayers, they would prepare a large feast to honor him. The rain did come, and the people of Sicily prepared a large banquet for their patron saint. On a typical St. Joseph's Day altar, people place flowers, limes, candles, wine, fava beans, specially prepared cakes, breads, and cookies, and zeppole. Foods are traditionally served containing bread crumbs to represent saw dust since St. Joseph was a carpenter. Because the feast occurs during Lent, traditionally no meat was allowed on the celebration table. The altar usually has three tiers, to represent the trinity. After the celebration food was always taken to the poor and needy of the community. We also had a tradition in our family of reacting the coming of Jesus. Two of the children in the extended family would dress as Mary and Joseph and be centered in the room to remind everyone of the great sacrifice these two made to help bring the Savior into the world. Prayers and hymns were sung and lots of food was shared together. As I was reminded of these days by the post, I also recalled the reading today. As we continue to prepare for Easter, we must not lose sight of the incredible love of God to send His “only begotten Son” on our behalf. There are many people who worship other gods; however, none of those religions are based on the love of their god for them. We worship a God who loves us first and foremost; He extends grace and atonement to us through His work. I urge you to think on that great love today. He will not fail you or forsake you.