Courage of St. Joseph highlighted at Mass for Congressional staffers

Washington D.C., Mar 19, 2018 / 13:13 pm

St. Joseph is a model of courage for those in political life today, Fr. Carter Griffin told attendees of Monday's second-annual Gold Mass for Congressional Staff.

The Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on the March 19 Solemnity of St. Joseph. Fr. William Gurnee, chaplain of the Congressional Catholic Staff Association, was the principal celebrant. Fr. Griffin was the homilist.

In his homily, Griffin focused upon St. Joseph's many virtues, but specifically noted his courage in choosing to stay with Mary and help raise Jesus.

"It took an enormous amount of courage to do what Joseph had to do," said Griffin.

"In the Gospel reading, we have the angel of the Lord coming to him, telling him not to be afraid, to take Mary into his home. He was to assume responsibility for the Chosen One – for the Son of God and his beloved mother. He was to have responsibility for the Holy Family."

This relates to the lives of Congressional staffers, said Fr. Griffin. He encouraged Congressional staffers to remain steadfast in their faith, stressing that it is not skills, or talents, or political convictions that shape the world – but rather, holiness.

"What makes the greatest difference in the world, without exception, without question, is holiness," he said.

"Courage is a prerequisite for every virtue. I think uniquely for what you do, in public service."

This courage, said Fr. Griffin, is especially needed today, in order for people working in Congress to "remain faithful to the Gospel" and to "become the saints that God wishes us to be."

"These are times for saints," the priest said, "for those of you serving in the public realm, sanctity is what we need most from you."

Staffers should especially turn to St. Joseph as a "beacon of light" in rough times. This courage and faithfulness will transform the country and "ignite a revolution," Griffin said.

"And like St. Joseph, your courage will pave the way for a life of genuine holiness, which in turn will help ignite a revolution, a revolution of grace that will truly change our country and the world, one soul at a time, to the glory of God, forever and ever."