my Catholic.com

One Bread, One Body - Reflection for May 1, 2013

JESUS THE WORKER

"Be slaves of Christ the Lord." –Colossians 3:24

Because our work is one of the main ways we express our love for Jesus, we must be working according to His will. Ask yourselves the following questions:

  1. Am I working to further the Lord's kingdom? The harvest is still great and becoming greater, but the workers are still few (Mt 9:37).
  2. Would I quit my job if the Lord told me to? Matthew, James, John, Peter, and Andrew quit their jobs at Jesus' command.
  3. Am I working for the right reason? Am I working for the Lord (Col 3:23) or for perishable food? (Jn 6:27)
  4. Do I consider my work a way of worshipping the Lord? (see Heb 13:16)
  5. Am I a witness for the risen Jesus on my job or do I give Jesus "the silent treatment?"
  6. Do I keep holy the Lord's Day by not working or shopping on Sunday? (see Ex 20:8ff)
  7. Is my work for Jesus worthy of persecution? (Acts 5:41)
  8. Will the Lord find me working for Him when He returns? (Lk 12:43)

If Jesus isn't Lord of our work, then He's not Lord of our lives. Through the intercession of St. Joseph the Worker, turn over your work and life to Jesus.

PRAYER: Father, may my way of working be understandable only in the light of Your risen Son.
PROMISE: "Where did this Man get such wisdom and miraculous powers? Isn't this the carpenter's Son?" –Mt 13:54-55
PRAISE: St. Joseph left his job and his customer base on three different occasions to obey the command of the Lord (see Mt 2:13, 19, 22).

< Prev | Next >

Acknowledgement

Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:

· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College