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.

Many think of contemplation as something reserved for monks in monasteries. However, St. Josemaría Escriva taught that ordinary work can become contemplative prayer, allowing us to encounter God in the middle of the world. True holiness is not about withdrawing from daily life—it is about finding God in the midst of it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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).

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.

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.