Work and Contemplation: Finding God in the Midst of Daily Life
Many people see contemplation as something separate from daily life - something reserved for monks and mystics. But St. Josemaría Escriva taught that true contemplation can and should happen in the midst of work, family, and daily responsibilities. The call to holiness is not about choosing between prayer and action, but about bringing them together.
Martha and Mary
In the Gospel, Martha and Mary represent two approaches to life:
- Martha serves actively but is anxious.
- Mary sits at Jesus’ feet in contemplation.
Jesus tells Martha that "Mary has chosen the better part." (Luke 10:42) Traditionally, this has been interpreted as a preference for the contemplative life over the active life. However, St. Josemaría deepened this understanding, showing that contemplation is possible within action, particularly in professional and family life.
Three Ways to Contemplate God in Daily Life
St. Josemaría identified three ways to cultivate a contemplative spirit:
1. Contemplation in Prayer – Dedicated times of mental prayer, meditation, and conversation with God.
2. Contemplation While Working – Seeking God's presence in simple tasks, breaks, and daily moments.
3. Contemplation Through Work – Transforming even intense, focused work into an offering to God.
When these three come together, prayer and work become inseparable.
Contemplation in Prayer: The Fire That Fuels the Day
"And in my meditation, a fire shall flame out." (Psalm 39:3)
Morning prayer is like lighting a fire that fuels the entire day. Prayer should be:
• Consistent – A daily appointment with God.
• Personal – A real conversation, not just recited words.
• Deepening – Moving from speaking to simply gazing at God with love.
As St. Josemaría said: "We start with vocal prayers… then comes intimacy with God, looking at Him without needing rest or feeling tired."
When Work Becomes Prayer
The highest level of contemplation is when work itself becomes an act of love. This means:
• Seeing work as service – Not just for personal success, but for God’s glory and the good of others.
• Striving for excellence – Not for perfectionism, but as a gift to God.
• Accepting struggles with joy – Uniting difficulties to Christ.
St. Josemaría taught that true contemplation is not about stopping work to pray, but working in a way that itself becomes prayer.
The highest goal is to work like Jesus in Nazareth, where His labor was already a participation in the Redemption. The more we love God through our work, the more our work becomes a path to contemplation.
