| "This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true." John 21:24 |
| "The Post and Courier" September 3, 2006 “How work is beneficial to the human spirit” By Jeff Kirby |
As our country prepares to celebrate Labor Day, it’s a good time to pause and consider what the meaning and importance of work is for us
and for our society. Work is a large part of our day. It shapes our lives and the lives of our loved ones. But do we only work to survive and
meet our needs? Is there any other meaning to work?
Perhaps many see work as only a burden and requirement, but there can be a greater meaning to our work. Within the Christian heritage,
work is seen not only as a remedy to the consequences of original sin and basic human needs, but as a real collaboration of man and woman
with God in perfecting the visible world. Through his or her work, a person can participate in the good of others and of society, as well as
consecrate the world and their work place to God.
Human work flows from those created in God’s image and called to extend the work and goodness of creation. Of course, work is meant to
provide a dignified livelihood for the person and the person’s family on the material, social, cultural, and spiritual level. But our labor is meant
to go beyond that primary purpose. By doing good and respectable work, we help to edify and build up our society and the world around us.
Our work also can honor the creator and the talents we’ve received from him. Our homage to God shouldn’t be restricted to only a house of
worship or enclosed within an empty set of creedal statements.
Work is for the human person, not the human person for work. We aren’t meant to live for work, but to work to fully live. Our labor is
meant to give order and remedy to our lives in order to encourage solidarity with others and with God. It assists us in understanding our
lives, relationships and the dynamics of society. If we let it, our work can foster greater love and creativity within us.
As our country rests from its various forms of labor, it’s worth reviewing our thoughts on work and considering the contributions from the
Christian inheritance.
Jeff Kirby is a seminarian in the Catholic Diocese of Charleston. He will be ordained a deacon Oct. 5 in Rome.
and for our society. Work is a large part of our day. It shapes our lives and the lives of our loved ones. But do we only work to survive and
meet our needs? Is there any other meaning to work?
Perhaps many see work as only a burden and requirement, but there can be a greater meaning to our work. Within the Christian heritage,
work is seen not only as a remedy to the consequences of original sin and basic human needs, but as a real collaboration of man and woman
with God in perfecting the visible world. Through his or her work, a person can participate in the good of others and of society, as well as
consecrate the world and their work place to God.
Human work flows from those created in God’s image and called to extend the work and goodness of creation. Of course, work is meant to
provide a dignified livelihood for the person and the person’s family on the material, social, cultural, and spiritual level. But our labor is meant
to go beyond that primary purpose. By doing good and respectable work, we help to edify and build up our society and the world around us.
Our work also can honor the creator and the talents we’ve received from him. Our homage to God shouldn’t be restricted to only a house of
worship or enclosed within an empty set of creedal statements.
Work is for the human person, not the human person for work. We aren’t meant to live for work, but to work to fully live. Our labor is
meant to give order and remedy to our lives in order to encourage solidarity with others and with God. It assists us in understanding our
lives, relationships and the dynamics of society. If we let it, our work can foster greater love and creativity within us.
As our country rests from its various forms of labor, it’s worth reviewing our thoughts on work and considering the contributions from the
Christian inheritance.
Jeff Kirby is a seminarian in the Catholic Diocese of Charleston. He will be ordained a deacon Oct. 5 in Rome.