How to reorient our lives toward God?
“What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has no works?”
James 2:14-17
What can we, as laypeople, do to reorient our lives toward God? We attend Sunday Mass, maybe even Daily Mass, participate in the Sacraments, and support the Church and our parish.
Pray the Holy Rosary, read or listen to the daily Gospel, or meditate on verses from Scripture. We might keep a prayer journal or join a Bible Study at our parish or online.
We can do all these things every day, or sprinkle them throughout the week. Indeed, setting time apart to be in the presence of God is a cornerstone of the Christian way of life.
But God wants to be present in the fullness of our lives. That includes the small moments and simple tasks we do at home or outside the house, like repetitive chores or errands.
Our ordinary work life is not separate from our faith life.
As everyday disciples, we strive to sanctify our work as an offering and sacrifice through prayer and thanksgiving, and as training to develop the cardinal and theological virtues necessary for living holy lives.
“Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Sanctifying Work as an Offering
The LORD is not asking for great deeds. But He is asking for our first fruits. In our ordinary daily lives, we can do much to please God, not so much by what we do as by how.
When we see work as an offering, we take our ego and pride out of the equation. In fact, we accomplish tasks by using the skills (talents and gifts) God gave us well.
We fulfill the purpose He created us for by serving Him when we serve our spouse, children, parents, siblings, families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and communities.
Work gains deeper, more meaningful significance when we offer it to God. Let it be more than a means to an end; let it be an end in itself. Work offers joy and spiritual gain.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.”
Genesis 2:15
Sanctifying Work as a Prayer
If you can’t find the time, energy, or focus to pray, turn your work into prayer.
Start your workday with a prayer. Bathroom break or difficult call ahead? Say a short prayer, or read a verse from a Psalm. (Keep your daily or weekly Psalm visible on your desk or workspace)
When working at home, cultivate a prayerful state of mind as you do the dishes, fold laundry, clean the kitchen, tidy the living room, make the bed, and brush your teeth.
Keep God present in your day and in your work. Ask for guidance and support. Prayer is not a distraction; it’s an intentional connection to the One through whom everything is possible.
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3
Sanctifying Work as Training
On this earthly pilgrimage, we develop virtues that help us grow in holiness. Work, mindless tasks, and time-consuming errands are all opportunities to train ourselves for holiness.
Let’s infuse our daily work with a higher purpose.
Repetitive tasks, challenging conversations, disagreements, and opportunities to serve, show kindness, and inspire and lead others are all woven into the fabric of ordinary work life.
Set the intention to practice one Cardinal or Theological virtue each day, and ask the Holy Spirit for the graces you need to persevere.
Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance.
- Prudence: making good judgments.
- Justice: giving what’s owed.
- Fortitude: exercising patience and courage.
- Temperance: living in moderation and using things properly.
Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity (Love).
Every day, every task becomes an opportunity to train in the Way of the Lord, the way to be a disciple of Christ.
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher.”
Luke 6:40
Sanctifying Work as Our Cross
Finally, let’s take our work as our cross, just as Jesus took the Cross of our sins, with great courage and great love.
We might not (always) be able to choose our daily crosses, but we can pick them up and carry them with joy, out of love for God and our fellow sojourners on this earthly pilgrimage.
When we unite our work to the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, it has redemptive power. It’s our way of saying yes to God’s Will, and to the purpose He has for our lives.
May the work of our hands be the fruit of our faith.
If you like to ponder these subjects, join us as we tend and grow these humble mustard seeds. We hope you’ll be inspired to sow your own. Come back weekly and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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