As we begin this season of Lent one area we examine is our work. The work we do is not nearly as determining as why we do it. Every kind of work; manual, intellectual, and spiritual — is meant to be our contribution to the development of humanity. We work to complete the work of God. We also work to complete ourselves. We become more skilled, more creative, and more effective to serve God.
Whatever we do in our work, we share a commonality with all humans. Even the worst of jobs puts you in solidarity with the poor — if the rewards of your labor are few and far between while the rigors are constant and security is tenuous. Our work needs to be our gift to the future. Whatever the task do it well, it will be needed and when not there it will be missed.
I often surprise when I say one of my favorite jobs was when I washed windows on sabbatical and did it well. If I didn’t, the view to the outside was obscured, and the small amount of light that came in was less bright. During Lent we examine our work asking — do we let God’s light shine a little brighter, do we have a clearer view to God.
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