VATICAN - Benedict XVI in Cameroon (3) - Celebration of Vespers: the example of Saint Joseph “helps us to understand that it is only by complete submission to the will of God that we become effective workers in the service of his plan”

Yaounde (Agenzia Fides) – The First Vespers of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph were presided by the Holy Father in the Basilica of Marie, Reine des Apôtres in the Mvolyé neighborhood in Yaoundé, in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, in the presence of Cardinals and Bishops, Priests and Deacons, consecrated, and members of other Christian denominations. As Benedict XVI mentioned at the beginning of his homily, the Basilica was “raised on the site of the first church built by the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit who came to bring the Good News to Cameroon.”
Recalling all the characteristics of Saint Joseph from the Sacred Scriptures, the Pope focused first of all on the fact that he had been father without fatherhood according to the flesh: “He is not the biological father of Jesus, whose Father is God alone, and yet he lives his fatherhood fully and completely. To be a father means above all to be at the service of life and growth.” Benedict XVI then exhorted the priests to live this fatherhood in their daily ministry, constantly returning to the root of the priesthood, Our Lord Jesus Christ: “In living out this deep friendship with Christ you will discover true freedom and deep joy. The ministerial priesthood entails a profound relationship with Christ who is given to us in the Eucharist. Let the celebration of the Eucharist be truly the center of your priestly lives; in this way it will also be the center of your ecclesial mission.” Aware of the fact that the pastoral ministry of the priest “demands many sacrifices, yet it is also a source of great joy,” the Pope said: “The Successor of Peter thanks you for your generous devotion to the service of the Church, and he urges you not to be troubled by the difficulties you encounter along the way!”
To the brothers and sisters in the consecrated life or in ecclesial movements, the Pope reminded then that “when Mary received the visit of the angel at the Annunciation, she was already betrothed to Joseph. In addressing Mary personally, the Lord already closely associates Joseph to the mystery of the Incarnation,” and highlighted that “Joseph teaches us that it is possible to love without possessing.” He then exhorted those in ecclesial movements to be attentive to those around them and “reveal the loving face of God to the poor, especially by your works of mercy, your human and Christian education of young people, your programmes for the advancement of women, and in so many other ways!” To the consecrated, the Pope reminded them of their “mission of bearing much-needed witness before our world to the primacy of God and of eternal life”: “At all times, and especially whenever your fidelity is put to the test, Saint Joseph reminds you of the value and meaning of your promises. The consecrated life is a radical imitation of Christ...Do not be afraid of living to the full the self-offering that you have made to God, bearing authentic witness to it wherever you find yourselves.”
Returning to the example of Saint Joseph, Benedict XVI highlighted how he “was caught up at every moment by the mystery of the Incarnation. ..In Joseph, faith is not separated from action. His faith had a decisive effect on his actions. Paradoxically, it was by acting, by carrying out his responsibilities, that he stepped aside and left God free to act, placing no obstacles in his way...The life of Saint Joseph, lived in obedience to God’s word, is an eloquent sign for all the disciples of Jesus who seek the unity of the Church. His example helps us to understand that it is only by complete submission to the will of God that we become effective workers in the service of his plan.” Lastly, addressing the members of the other Christian denominations, the Pope mentioned that “this quest for unity among the disciples of Christ represents a great challenge for us. It leads us first of all to be converted to the Person of Christ, to let ourselves be drawn more and more to him. In him, we are called to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/3/2009)