I was reviewing past reflections from In Conversation With God this morning and came across another gem from Francis Fernandez. As always I am humbled by his wisdom and the way he shares Christ’s teaching with us and how applicable his writing is to our mission at The Integrated Catholic Life. From Fernandez:
Our work should lead us to God. It should not become a cause of alienation from the Lord. We should be growing in our Christian vocation in our job, whatever it may be. The dedicated Christian should keep in mind that he or she is a citizen of two cities: holding dual citizenship in the city of man and the city of God. Each Christian should strive to correspond to this great calling. We should be cheerful, sincere and understanding with everyone at work. We should be good workers and good friends to those we work with. In Phil 4:8 St. Paul exhorted the first Chrisitians of Philippi with regard to this responsibility: ‘Finally, brethern, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’
The Christian will convert his work into prayer if he seeks only the glory of God and the good of others, if he offers up his work when beginning it, if he gives thanks to God when finishing it, if he asks God’s help in time of trial…..that our prayers and our work begin and end always with God. Work is our daily path to the Lord.
Work is the means to acquiring holiness for the Christian. It is also the source of grace for the whole Church, since you are the body of Christ and individually members of it (1 Cor 12:27).
I found this to be very inspirational as I begin my week in these challenging times. I hope it is uplifting for you as well.
