Heroism in the sanctity of work

The wild Carnival revelry and joyous celebration is over, and now we turn to the lenten season to offer self-denial, to ponder on our shortcomings in what we have failed to do and what we should have not done. All towards making us better persons in the light of our Christian faith. We are aware that in every walk of life we are in the presence of a great power. The Almighty beckons us to holiness irrespective of colour, status, age or calling. Even at our moments of wild abandon or after ashes are on our foreheads
The inherent goodwill towards us from our Creator is naturally evident. The second Vatican Council declares “All the faithful, whatever their connection or state through each in his own way—are called by the Lord to that perfection of Sanctity by which the Father himself is perfect. All, that is, each and every one of the faithful.”

One recognises that perfection of our virtuous characteristics develop a sense of heartiness for the action of the Holy Spirit, towards enhancing the meaning and practice of other realities which are relevantly good. A person is called to perform his tasks with human perfection. To endorse his duty and commitment with a supernatural outlook. To exercise charity with those who surround us, and to practise mortification. “You, therefore must be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect”. One way is the sanctification of work. In this, everyone takes pride in all that is done each day, however small; work in all its diverse manifold nature, intellectual, physical or otherwise. And in whatever our profession, there is need to perfect the task as an offering to God. As personal sacrifices. As noble endeavours. As an enrichment to interior life. To attain strength of character. To make us better citizens. To increase our faithfulness.

If Christ’s presence on earth was his duty “doing good” then, the ultimate goal in life is to imitate Him. To be united with Him, through sanctification of work each day, towards gaining true grace and glory—through prayer and the sacraments which are bonded to honest labour as a formula to aspire for heavenly peace. And through our duties, we are reminded of the words, “Today, as yesterday, heroism is expected of the Christian—a heroism in great struggles, if the need arises”.

Willi Chen
San Fernando