Pope Francis in Laudato
Si' (On Care
for Our Common Home)
says, Work should be the setting for rich personal growth, where many aspects
of life enter into play: creativity, planning for the future, developing our
talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. It
follows that, in the reality of today's global society, it is essential that “we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady
employment for everyone,” no
matter the limited interests of business and dubious economic reasoning. We
were created with a vocation to work. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning
of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development, and personal
fulfillment. Helping the poor financially must
always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader
objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work. (nos. 127-28)
Human labor is an
integral part of the fulfillment of creation (Gen
2:5).
While work has often become corrupted, the redemption of work is an integral
part of the Messiah’s redemption of the world. During his earthly ministry, we
will see that the work Jesus does for the Father is an integral aspect of
Father and Son’s love for each other. “The words that I say
to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his
works” (John
14:10). This
provides the model for redeemed human labor, which is likewise meant to nurture
our love for one another as we work together in God’s vineyard. In addition to modeling good work, Jesus teaches about
workplace topics such as calling, relationships, creativity and productivity,
ethics, truth and deception, leadership, service, sacrifice and suffering, and
the dignity of labor.
One of the chief interests of John’s Gospel
is to remind people that a casual glance at
Jesus will never do. Those who “keep my commandments,
… will remain in my love” (Jn 15:10) and find his simple images opening up to a new way of
looking at the world.[1]
Even as St. Matthias remains an obscure figure in scripture and the lives of the saints. After the 11 apostles’ prayers and casting of lots, Matthias is chosen, and never again is mentioned in the New Testament. Yet, Matthias embodies how God choses us in the scriptures to work, to love, and to his friendship. Moses, a friend of God, speaks with the Lord face-to-face (Ex 33:11). Old Testament wisdom reminds us, broken friendships can be repaired (Sir 22:21-22), and John praises “friend” as a sharing (Jn 15:15) and loyalty even to the point of death (Jn 10:11, 15, 17-18; 15:13).
Being chosen undergirds all genuine
friendship. The Lord chose Israel out of love (Dt 7:8); Jesus chose his followers first (Jn
15:16) though they
were not exactly perfect, because being chosen is always a gift.[2]
Let us rejoice that the Lord choses us to work in his vineyard, to love of our neighbor, and to friendship with Him, who is our Lord and Savior.
[1] TheologyofWork.org. The Gospel of John
and Work, produced by TOW Project.
[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis & Homily
Suggestion by Edward Owens, OSST
No comments:
Post a Comment