Embedded Files
--o--o--o--o--o--
Work is a constant in human life. For some, it means fulfillment and joy; for all too many, drudgery. Millions are anxiously seeking work, and for almost everyone work defines his or her station in life and in society. Workers still form a class in many countries of the world; in others, especially in Western societies, the boundaries between classes are more fluid.
In his speech to the Collège des Bernardins in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI noted that the key to understanding the full human meaning of work may be found within the Christian tradition. Men and women are called to participate in the creative power of God through work by assuming the task of freely perfecting creation while guided by wisdom and love. The Son of God worked for many years in Nazareth. “He sanctified human labor and endowed it with a special significance for our development.” (Pope Francis, Laudato si', 98) Work is a vocation, the place for growth as a human being and as a child of God. Moreover, work is the very matter of sanctification.
The significance of human work has had various meanings throughout Christian history. Monks have found it in the motto ora et labora. Recent Catholic theology coincides with the XVI century Reformers and their recognition of professional work as a vocation. But also the Catholic tradition considers work a path for Christian sanctification (Gaudium et spes, 34).
--o--o--o--o--o--
Businessmen/Workers on the way to Sainthood:
Enrique Shaw, Argentine Businessman, "One Life, One Witness":
--o--o--o--o--o--
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Covey, S. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Doral (Florida), 2007.
Crawford, M. Shop Class as Soulcraft: an Inquiry into the Value of Work. New York, 2009.
De Torre, J. Work, Culture, Liberation: the Social Teaching of the Church. Manila, 1985.
Escrivá, J. Friends of God: chapter four Working for God. Ohio, 2005
Illanes Maestre, J.L. The Sanctification of Work: Aspects of the Teaching of the Founder of Opus Dei. New York, 2003.
Kondo, M. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Berkeley, 2014.
Larrey, P. Connected World: From Automated Work to Virtual Wars. London (UK), 2017.
Malinvaud, E. Work and human fulfillment. Florida, 2003.
Newport, C. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. New York, 2016.
Pieper, J. Only the Lover Sings: Art and Contemplation. San Francisco, 1990.
Sandberg, S. Lean in: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. New York, 2013.
Schulte, B. Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time. London, 2014.
Schwarz, F. Breaking with Tradition: Women and Work, the New Facts of Life. New York, 1993.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Economic Justice for All: Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy. Washington DC, 1986.
V. V. A. A. Work in the Service of the person and Society. Rome, 2003.
V. V. A. A. Work and Education. Rome, 2003.
Media
Pope Francis. TED talk: Why the only future worth building includes everyone. www.ted.com, 2017.
Documents of the Church
POPE FRANCIS. Encyclical letter Laudato Si. Rome, 2015.
BENEDICT XVI. Encyclical letter Caritas in Veritate. Rome, 2009.
JOHN PAUL II. Encyclical letter Centesimus Annus. Rome, 1991.
JOHN PAUL II. Encyclical letter Laborem Exercens: on human work. Rome, 1981.
LEO XIII. Encyclical letter Rerum Novarum: on the Condition of the Working Classes. Rome, 1891.
PIUS XI. Encyclical letter Quadragesimo Anno. Rome, 1931.
SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL. Pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes. Rome, 1965.
--o--o--o--o--o--
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse