Because we have given our lives to the risen Jesus, everything in our lives, especially work, is radically new. We don't work for perishable food, that is, for salary, profit, benefits, recognition, or power (Jn 6:27). Rather, we work for "food that remains unto life eternal" (Jn 6:27). We work to become holy not only in the context of our jobs but through our jobs (see The Church, Vatican II, 41, and Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, Pope John Paul II, 15). Even if we had a million dollars or weren't getting paid, we would still go to work, for the Lord has chosen our work to be one of the main places where He makes us holy as He is holy (see 1 Pt 1:16).

We must accept the Lord's way of holiness (see Mt 6:33) by accepting Him as Lord of our lives and of our work.

Therefore:

• Don't work on Sundays.
• "Do not render service for appearance only and to please men" (Eph 6:6).
• "Give your service willingly, doing it for the Lord rather than men" (Eph 6:7).
• "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being" (Col 3:23).
• "Be submissive" to your employers and "try to please them in every way" (Ti 2:9).
• "Be slaves of Christ the Lord" (Col 3:24).
• "Do all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999