Citizens Who Build Society: Transforming Work into a Mission of Love
St. Josemaría Escrivá’s insights into the dignity of work offer a response to today’s challenges. He reminds us that work is not just a necessity or a means of survival; it is a calling to build a society that upholds the dignity of the human person. This vision of work as a vocation invites us to see our professional efforts as part of God’s plan to bring love and justice into the world.
Work as a Contribution to Society
Work is more than producing goods or providing services; it is a way to contribute meaningfully to the common good. St. Josemaría often compared work to building a cathedral. Even the simplest tasks, like making bricks, gain immense value when understood as part of a greater project that reflects God’s presence in the world. This vision gives every worker a sense of purpose, dignity, and responsibility.
As Pope Francis notes, work allows us to express creativity, develop talents, and build relationships. It is a setting for personal growth and an opportunity to live out our values, give glory to God, and contribute to the flourishing of others.
Loving the World Through Work
Love for the world and the people in it is central to the Christian vocation. This love is not conditional on the world’s perfection but stems from the realization that God has entrusted creation to us as a gift and responsibility. St. Josemaría emphasized that we must engage with the world’s realities—its joys, tragedies, and injustices—with a spirit of optimism, hope, and service.
This love drives us to meet others with empathy, listen to their needs, and work toward their good. It transforms professional work into acts of charity and justice, ensuring that work is not merely about individual achievement but about contributing to the well-being of society.
The Social Dimensions of Work
Work’s impact radiates outward in concentric circles, starting with the immediate environment and extending to society at large. By fulfilling our professional responsibilities with excellence, we strengthen the bonds of community and contribute to societal progress. For example:
Teachers educate future generations.
Engineers create infrastructure that connects and uplifts communities.
Each profession holds the potential to address pressing human and social needs, whether by promoting environmental sustainability, advocating for fair labor practices, or mentoring the next generation.
Building a More Human Work Environment
Transforming society begins with transforming the work environment. A more human workplace prioritizes relationships, collaboration, and respects the dignity of every individual. It involves:
Resolving conflicts with a spirit of charity and understanding.
Supporting colleagues through acts of kindness, such as helping a coworker in need or celebrating their achievements.
Encouraging teamwork and openness to diverse perspectives, breaking down barriers of culture, ideology, or age.
Justice and Charity in Professional Life
Charity and justice are essential virtues in transforming work into a force for good. Justice ensures that every person receives their due, while charity extends beyond duty to offer generosity, compassion, and solidarity. Together, these virtues create an environment where people collaborate effectively, overcome individualism, and promote the common good.
For example, entrepreneurs can prioritize neglected social causes, reject unethical practices, and advocate for policies that uphold human dignity. Small acts, such as mentoring young colleagues or improving workplace conditions, have ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate environment.
Hope in the Mission of Work
St. Josemaría’s vision of work is grounded in hope. He encourages us to see our professional work as part of God’s redemptive plan, even amidst challenges. Whether facing personal setbacks or societal crises, the Christian approach to work invites us to trust in God’s providence and rely on His grace.
As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Caritas in Veritate, true progress requires prayer, trust in God, and love in action. By embracing this vision, we transform not only our work but also our hearts, making life on earth more reflective of God’s divine love.
