Work – More than just a job?

You’re part of God’s co-creation team!

Money matters – there’s no doubt about that. But work is about so much more than just making money. Through your work, you actively contribute to shaping the world and use your talents and take on responsibility. You are part of God’s co-creation team!

That’s why the Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the dignity of the human person and the value of labor as participation in God’s creative work! Pope Francis says in his foreword to the DOCAT – a book from the YOUCAT series that presents Catholic Social Teaching for young people: “I wish I had a million young Christians or, even better, a whole generation who are for their contemporaries ‘walking, talking social doctrine’. Nothing else will change the world but people who with Jesus devote themselves to it …”

When work becomes a calling

This devotion which the Pope speaks of starts in everyday life – in the small and big tasks entrusted to us. Just think of the impact we can have if we see our work not as a burden, but as an opportunity to help build the Kingdom of God. As lofty as it might sound – the Kingdom of God without love is just an empty idea.

It’s love that gives our work eternal value. Work that’s driven by passion and love isn’t just meaningful – it’s also joyful. When you find purpose in your work, you’re more motivated, more committed, more productive – and you realize that you belong to something greater than yourself. Because yes! Your gifts aren’t just for you – they’re meant to serve the community.

As the DOCAT puts it: “The goal of human life is not to pile up money or to earn a reputation, but to attain eternal life with God through prayer, worship, and active love of neighbor. Insofar as man’s work is subordinate to this goal, it is part of a Christian life. (DOCAT 138)

Saint Joseph shows us how to do a good job

Since 1955, the Catholic Church has commemorated Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1^st. With the introduction of this feast, Pope Pius XII made a deliberate statement: the dignity of human labor and workers should become visible in the Christian message.

Joseph, a humble carpenter who provided for his family through the work of his hands, becomes a role model for all workers contributing to the good of their families, society, and the Church. Even though he was the foster father of Jesus – the incarnate Son of God! – not a single word of his is recorded in Sacred Scripture.

Joseph, the silent carpenter of Nazareth, is truly a man of action. Someone who rises without delay to follow God’s will – no questions, no hesitation.

Jesus “went through an apprenticeship and then labored until he was thirty as a carpenter in Joseph’s workshop.” (DOCAT 137) The “School of Joseph” was, in fact, the only “vocational school” Jesus ever attended. That’s why the people of Nazareth first knew him as a craftsman, not a Rabbi—and certainly not as the Messiah. They asked: “Is he not the carpenter?” (Mark 6:3)

Work – A gift or idol?

If work was even a place of learning for Jesus, then our daily work can also be a place where we grow, mature and encounter God. Nevertheless, the Bible does not hide the fact that, since the Fall, work also means toil: “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread …” (Gen 3:19)

Work is, in fact, an essential part of being human. At the same time, “work is part of life, but it is not life. This is an important distinction.” (DOCAT 138)

And yet, some people treat the office like their home and live for their work schedule. For them, work becomes everything. In fact, workaholism is much like other addictions – whether it be gambling or the internet. When work turns into a form of compensation or becomes an obsession, it loses its meaning as a gift. It becomes an idol – one that demands everything and gives nothing back, enslaving the soul.

Know yourself in God!

You are more than what you do. Take time to reflect: Who am I beyond my achievements? What am I really looking for? Am I using constant activity to cover something up? Or am I running from myself – from my emptiness, my fear of not being enough?

If you define yourself only by your performance, you lose touch with yourself and with life’s true goals. Don’t let the chaos of everyday life crush you. Remember that your value is not tied to your job.

Step into the silence and talk to God, your Creator: God, what do you want to tell me in this moment? Where do you need me right now, and how can I live my life – and my work – in a way that pleases you and bears fruit for others?

Discover DOCAT – Social doctrine of the Catholic Church

Identity – The power of love