Embracing work as a path of discipleship

At the beginning, when God presents himself to us, he revealed himself as a worker. This may come as a surprise, as we often associate God with greatness and majesty. However, the very first pages of the Bible show us that God is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and participate in the act of creation. He shaped the earth, spoke and brought galaxies into being, and invited humanity to participate in the creative process. God's initial revelation teaches us that work and service have great value in his eyes.

Reflecting on our own attitude towards work, we may find ourselves in different positions. Some of us are just getting by, waiting for our dream job to materialize, while others are climbing the corporate ladder or eagerly anticipating retirement. Sometimes work can seem monotonous and exhausting, like a life-sapping chore.

However, I want to invite us to perceive work as something more than a means of subsistence. It is an opportunity for discipleship, a field where our faith finds practical expression. Whether our work is paid or unpaid, done at home or in a busy office, for a boss or for our families, it all matters. Even seemingly unremarkable tasks like doing math, changing diapers, attending virtual meetings, or managing emails have meaning. In our work our true identity is forged and our beliefs are transformed into action.

Today, let us remember that there are no "transition jobs" in the eyes of God. The work before us at this very moment is the most important work in which we can participate. It is not necessary to love our work to practice fidelity, nor should we despise it to exercise discipline. What really matters is to give our best in everything that has been entrusted to us today.

As we embark on our daily tasks, let us seek God's guidance and help. Let our work become a means through which we grow as disciples of Jesus. Every interaction, every effort, and every moment can be an opportunity to exemplify His love, grace, and integrity.

May we approach our work with a fresh perspective, recognizing it as a path to discipleship. Let us accept the challenges, seek the presence of God, and allow our work to mold us into more fully formed followers of Christ.