Ord22 - Working for the Lord (14:15)

Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday. The Bible tells us that hard work is given to us as a punishment for sin (see Genesis 3:17-19). This also means that it helps to right the wrongs done by sin. Here are four reasons for work:

1. To survive (food on the table, money in our pocket).
2. To make the world a better place.
3. To make ourselves better people.
4. To glorify God.

How do we keep work from becoming voluntary slavery? By not working on Sundays. Taking one day a week to reflect on what we have done also helps us to take stock of whether we are working for the right reasons. St. Paul reminds us:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col. 3:23-24)

(2 Sep 2012)