Work is Not a Four-Letter Word - 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Episode 44
Dr. Gerry and Dr. Peter discuss why work should not define the person, as it is often the case today. Instead, we have to see that the dignity of work comes from the fact that it is done by an individual made in the image and likeness of God.
Overall Takeaway
Work should not define the person, as it is often the case in today’s world. Instead, we have to see that the dignity of work comes from the fact that it is done by an individual made in the image and likeness of God.
Key Verses from the Sunday Readings
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.”
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.”
“Brothers and sisters:
Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
If I go on living in the flesh,
that means fruitful labor for me.”
Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
If I go on living in the flesh,
that means fruitful labor for me.”
“What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?”
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?”
Where Catholicism Meets Psychology
We often get to know ourselves through our work. However, sometimes work begins to define our worth or who we are. If someone loses a job and wonders “what am I good for,” he or she has lost sight of the value of life itself.
Work should not define us. Instead, our human nature can be more fully expressed through our work. Work is only one expression of ourselves.
The world tends to have a utilitarian view of life. Our goodness and value are too frequently tied to what we contribute in our work.
We are reminded by St.Therese of the Little Flower that it’s important to do “little things with great love.” The love is the important part of the work.
Action Item
Look at the different elements of your work, and try to identify an aspect of your work that you tend to under value. What do you recognize about yourself? What can you better appreciate about these aspects?