Work as a Means of Sanctification
José Luis Illanes's book "The Sanctification of Work" delves into the Christian understanding of work, emphasizing how ordinary work can be a path to holiness. Illanes, drawing on the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, argues that work is not just a duty but a means of personal development and sanctification.
Performing one's daily tasks with love, dedication, and a spirit of service, a person can grow closer to God and contribute positively to the world.
Every aspect of our work, no matter how small or routine it may seem, holds the potential to be a profound expression of our love for God.
When we perform our tasks with care and dedication, we are not only fulfilling a duty but also transforming our work into a prayer and a path to holiness.
Offer it Up
The challenges and trials we face in our professional lives are not mere obstacles; they are opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening our faith. In embracing these difficulties with patience and humility, we are participating in Christ's own suffering and redemptive mission.
Our daily work is a platform for service to others and an expression of our Christian calling. By focusing on the needs and well-being of those we serve through our professions, we are practicing the Gospel’s call to love our neighbor and seeing the face of Christ in everyone we encounter.
Crosses and Challenges
As a waitress, I've encountered numerous challenges that have not only tested my patience and resilience but also enriched my Catholic faith in unexpected ways. In this post, I want to share how the crosses and challenges of waitressing have deepened my understanding and practice of offering up my work as means of sanctification.
The role of a server is to ensure the customers have a wonderful and memorable dining experience, even if confronted with disrespect or rudeness, which unfortunately happens often. My greatest challenge, as someone growing up in a working-class neighborhood where disrespect was met with aggression, is to not react with a snaky tone.
The hospitality industry is notorious for its high-pressure environment. Long hours, demanding customers, and the need for perfection in every order test my patience daily.
It is common for the staff to engage in gossip and complaining and I am no stranger to participating. I think the root of it is to relieve the stress of the moment and I guess it’s better than taking it out on the customers directly but all it really does is create a negative work environment and reenforces the stress.
These challenges have taught me the art of patience and the grace of forgiveness. As Colossians 3:13 urges, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Each shift brings me face-to-face with a diverse array of customers, each with their own stories and struggles. This exposure has helped me develop a deeper sense of compassion and empathy. Recognizing Christ in every person I serve has been a profound spiritual practice.
Despite its challenges, waitressing has its moments of joy and fulfillment. The difficulties and challenges faced in work are opportunities for spiritual growth. The daily trials of dealing with difficult customers, managing stress, working long hours – become occasions to practice patience, humility, and perseverance. There are days when everything seems to go wrong – orders get mixed up, customers complain, or tips are low. In these moments, I’ve learned to trust in God’s plan.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Even in a secular setting like a restaurant, God provides a means of spiritual and moral development in accordance with Catholic teachings through the ups and downs of waitressing, I’ve found solace and strength in prayer, knowing that He is with me and using my failures and successes to sanctify my soul and prepare me to be with Him in heaven.