Becoming Christ in Our Work: A Holistic Approach to Professional Formation
St. Josemaría Escrivá’s vision of sanctifying work invites us to view professional life as a path to holiness. This teaching reframes work as more than a set of tasks—it becomes a meeting place with God, a platform for developing virtue, and a means of contributing to society. To live this vision fully, we need formation across spiritual, intellectual, human, and professional dimensions, allowing us to become Christ in our work.
Work as a Spiritual Adventure
Holiness in the workplace is a great adventure—a journey of discovering God in the ordinary and transcending personal limitations. It is a call to sanctify work, sanctify ourselves in work, and sanctify others through work. This requires approaching our professional work with love and purpose, turning desks, offices, and job sites into places where we offer our labor to God.
Key practices for spiritual formation in work:
Intentional offering: Treating work as a pleasing offering to God, united to Christ’s sacrifice in the Mass.
Constant dialogue with God: Regularly raising our hearts in thanksgiving, reparation, and petition, recognizing His presence in our struggles and efforts.
Finding Christ in fatigue: Viewing challenges and tiredness as opportunities to unite with Christ, who bore the burden of humanity’s suffering.
By integrating these practices, work becomes an expression of love for God and others.
Understanding the Deeper Meaning of Work
Work is not only about productivity; it reflects our identity as co-creators with God. As Pope Francis reminds us, work involves every dimension of our being—thought, action, and creativity—and plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives and relationships.
Theological and intellectual formation:
Deepening our understanding of the vocation to work, rooted in Scripture, such as Adam’s calling to care for Eden (Genesis 2:15).
Reflecting on the redemptive value of Christ’s years as a carpenter and His sacrifice on the Cross.
This intellectual exploration strengthens our resolve to work with dignity, aligning our actions with the divine call to transform society.
Growing in Human Virtues Through Work
Work is a training ground for developing virtues, which are essential for serving others effectively. These human qualities—strengthened by grace—shape our interactions and create a Christ-like approach to professional life.
Virtues to cultivate in the workplace:
Listening: Engaging with colleagues and clients with attentiveness and openness.
Humility: Recognizing our need for others and contributing generously to shared goals.
Commitment: Embracing responsibilities with perseverance, even when faced with challenges.
These virtues enable us to create a more human and supportive work environment, grounded in respect and genuine care for others.
Building Strong Friendships at Work
The workplace is a natural setting for forming deep, authentic friendships that reflect the joy and peace of the Christian spirit. Through these relationships, we share in the challenges and joys of daily tasks, offering mutual support and encouragement.
Key aspects of workplace friendships:
Magnanimity: Treating colleagues with patience, honesty, and loyalty, even in competitive or challenging environments.
Sowing joy and peace: Creating a positive atmosphere that uplifts and unites.
Sharing faith naturally: Living out Christian values in a natural way that inspires and attracts others to God.
These friendships not only enrich professional life but also contribute to the sanctification of those around us.
Striving for Professional Excellence
Professional competence is an essential element of sanctifying work. Excellence in our field is not merely a practical necessity but a offering that glorifies God and serves others effectively.
Pursuing excellence in work:
Ongoing formation: Taking advantage of opportunities to grow in knowledge and skills through courses, mentorship, and self-directed learning.
Professional ethics: Living with integrity and upholding moral principles specific to one’s field, such as justice, compassion, and responsibility.
Creativity and innovation: Seeking ways to improve one’s profession and contribute to societal progress, whether by designing innovative solutions, mentoring younger colleagues, or advocating for fair practices.
By excelling in our work, we reflect the divine craftsmanship of our Creator and participate in the redemptive mission of Christ.
