Because of his aversion to things that could hurt and even kill, those who offered him jobs were greatly disappointed because they knew his skills. Their frustration in making him work on such things even if they offer a lot of money made them consider him a simpleton, in fact, a fool who shun the opportunities given him. Because of his mild manners and humility, he didn’t find it worthy to argue with those who think they were wiser. Some would even take advantage of his simplicity and uncomplaining nature and take the chance not to pay him using some lame excuse.
Others knew that given such talents and possessing such skills, St. Joseph can definitely make himself richer and make the life of the Virgin Mary and the boy Jesus live comfortably and even with luxury. They couldn’t understand why he chose to live in poverty and even allow the exceptional child Jesus and the most beautiful Mary live poor. Other men who get acquainted with the Holy Family openly criticize him for not being able to give them a comfortable life they deserve. Of course, he would just shed tears in private as he knew that all was part of the Divine Plan. He saw it when they suffered evading the clutches of Herod and likewise how they were treated at first in Egypt. In fact, he saw it already when not even relatives in Bethlehem could offer them a place for the night. He just remembered a cave which was used by animals instinctively for shelter when there is a storm and this was where the boy Jesus was born.
But even their relatives in Nazareth were harsh to him. Coming from the House of David, they taught him inutile to provide good provisions for his family even if he knew they were of royal blood. He was such a bad choice for Mary, they thought, for she was for them a real princess. Ignorant as they are for their chaste union and virginal nature, how can they understand that God indeed loved the poor for in fact, the poor shepherds came very much ahead of the kings from the orient to see the glorious Child.
But seeing Him grow and knowing that He indeed would submit to him as a real father, St. Joseph had the task of instructing Him for the things that interest Him. He was indeed joyful when he gave Him the little toys he made from wooden scraps and thus, he made Him a set of carpentry tools which his little hands can use for some carpentry project. He was inspiring him to make toys of His own which he can share with his cousins and playmates.
There is nothing that the boy Jesus would not enjoy as a child as He would join other children when they are tasked to take care of their sheep or visit vineyards. Why would He not listen to his instruction in using the little carpentry tools. But St. joseph was taken aback when the boy Jesus showed him His very first project. He in fact, almost lost his consciousness feeling as he did when he saw His precious blood drip when He was circumcised and when Simeon the Temple High Priest foretold His passion when He was presented at the Temple.
The Child Jesus, in fact, had a cross as His first project explaining that someday He would be redeeming mankind with one resembling it. He even explicitly said that He is going to give His own life for the love of His people. If you were St. Joseph, how would you feel?
