Thought Leadership
Work, Sacrifice, and Glory: Finding Holiness Through the Cross and Resurrection
Work is not just an earthly task—it is part of our redemption. St. Josemaría Escriva saw Christ’s labor in Nazareth not as an ordinary profession, but as an act of salvation, intimately united to his sacrifice on the Cross. Our work, too, when united to Christ, becomes both redemptive and sanctifying.
Offering Our Work to Christ
During Christmas, we reflect on the Magi bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. These gifts symbolize our own offering—the daily work we present to God. As St. Josemaría Escriva taught, our labor, when done with love and intention, becomes a path to sanctity.
A Supernatural Motive: Transforming Work into Holiness
Many people see work as a purely earthly task—something to earn a living, build a career, or achieve success. But St. Josemaria Escriva taught that work has eternal significance. When done with love for God, our daily efforts become more than a profession—they become a path to holiness.
Unity of Life in Professional Work: Integrating Faith, Work, and Apostolate
For many, work, prayer, and apostolate may seem like separate aspects of life—each with its own time and place. But true holiness is found in the unity of these three, forming a harmonious whole where every action is a step toward God.
Working Conscientiously: Excellence as a Path to Holiness
To sanctify our work, we must work well—not simply as a means to an end, but as an act of love for God. St. Josemaria Escriva reminds us: “Holiness does not consist in doing more difficult things every day, but in doing them every day with greater love.”
Work and Rest: A Sacred Balance
God calls us to both work diligently and rest purposefully—not as opposing forces but as a rhythm designed for human flourishing. The Creation account itself shows us this pattern: after six days of creation, God rested and sanctified the seventh day (Gen 2:1-3).
Working Well, Working for Love: The Sanctification of Work
What does it truly mean to sanctify our work? It means transforming our daily tasks into an offering to God, aligning our efforts with His divine will, and viewing work as a vocation rather than just a necessity.
The Example of St. Joseph: Sanctifying Work with Faith
St. Joseph, a humble worker and protector of the Holy Family, teaches us how to integrate faith into our daily labor. As Catholic professionals, we can look to him as a model of diligence, trust in God, and service to others. His life reminds us that work is not merely a duty but a path to holiness when done with love and purpose.
Sanctifying Work: Bringing Christ into Society
As Catholic professionals, our work is not just a means of survival or success—it is a path to holiness. St. Josemaría Escrivá emphasized that our mission is to sanctify our work and, through it, help transform society in accordance with God’s will. We are not passive observers but active participants in building a world that reflects Christian values.
Finding the Right Path: Integrating Faith and Professional Life
The journey of professional life is filled with stages, crossroads, and challenges. As Catholic leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives, we navigate these decisions not just with strategy, but with faith. Our ultimate goal is not merely success by worldly standards, but a supernatural one: to align our work with God’s purpose.