The Monthly Note
September 2006
The Christian meaning of work
by Fr. Émery Désilets, OP
We are often so attached to our work, so controlled by it, that we run the risk of forgetting its meaning. In this perspective, it is worth to mention that work is not the whole of Man. There is also time-off that allows us to contemplate, to pray and to love, just as in the Book of Genesis.
However, work is necessary. Through it, we carry on the work of Creation. God made the rivers and the oceans, but not the bridges and the ships.
According to God’s design, work appears to be fulfillment of Creation and the achievement of God’s will.
Work may sometimes seem to be a burden, just like the following parable-like story.
But when carried out with love, it is worth its weight in gold.
On a construction site, two men are carving out stone. A visitor asks them: « What are you doing »? The first one replied: « I am carving stone and it is hard work ». He highlights the painful aspect of work. The second one replied: « I am building a cathedral »! In his gaze, he was already contemplating the cathedral he was building.
Through our work, whatever the task, we are called, not only to build a cathedral, but to build the Kingdom, laying out the world according to God’s design and making the Earth a better place for all, in justice and friendship.
We have to give thanks to the Lord who entrusts us with such a mission and pray that we may accomplish it according to His design of salvation.
