We have ONE life, which is made up of lots of aspects, activities, and interactions including work, play, home, social, etc. Work is an intrinsic part of our life as are all of the other aspects. Work is a gift and a blessing from God to us. I remember after graduating from college, I was 20 years old back then when I started to look for a job to help my family. Now for seven years I have been working in the same company and still grateful. During those seven years of service in the company, like many others, I also experience struggles and challenges, from co-workers misunderstanding to work, pressure, and stress. But amidst all those problems and challenges that I experience, there is joy in working. The joy of knowing that because of your work you are able to provide for the needs of your family. The joy of sharing your talents and skills with others fills our dignity. The joy of earning some money that you can share with those who are in need.
This realization about work was influenced by being an active servant of the Church. Outside the workplace, I serve as Lector, BEC facilitator, and secretary/treasurer of Ina ng Laging Saklolo Chapel. I attend bible sharing with the community, visiting the sick, and serving at Mass. Serving in the Church deepens my relationship with God and also with others. As Christians and followers of Christ, we are then called to be witnesses of faith in our daily lives including our workplace. When we do our work honestly, we sanctify ourselves and others. By working honestly, we participate in God’s continuing work of creation and in Christ’s redemptive work for humankind. Work is our dignity. To work honestly is an integral part of our being in union with Christ.
Saint Joseph the foster father of Jesus is the example of holiness for human labor. He was a carpenter, and through his work of manual labor, Joseph provided for the Holy Family and shared in the divine plan of salvation.
Today we continue to face the challenge of the Covid19 pandemic with no clear picture to how long it will take. We see how the economy suffers a lot. Since the start of the pandemic last year 2020 many small businesses have collapsed, large companies are facing huge losses and many people have lost their jobs. Many others are working from home, while countless workers face dangerous workplaces where they may be at risk of contracting the coronavirus and taking it home to their families. Covid19 pandemic is hitting the poor the hardest way ever. Many are afraid and some are left with two choices: they may die because of the Covid19 virus or die because of hunger. But we should not lose hope. In the middle of this crisis, Pope Francis proclaimed the year of Saint Joseph in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the universal church. The example of St. Josephs and patronage comes in at a perfect time. We should then ask for his help, especially in these difficult times and entrust our lives to him that he may inspire us and protect us as he protected Mary and Jesus.
