A great deal of our lives is spent at work.
For our spirituality, work is more than earning a living. It is a means of developing our human faculties, continuing the work of God the Creator and contributing to the fulfillment of the plan of Divine Providence. Sometimes work also entails some suffering, and to this extent it is for us a participation in the redemption of humanity through the mystery of the cross. Work develops our skills and talents as well as offering a means through which we can contribute to the betterment of society. Work also enables us to acquire material goods and thereby to share with those less fortunate than we. Work can also be an expression of God’s beauty and loving care for this earth. Oblates should seek to make their work an integral part of their spirituality, uniting themselves with God who in Christ is working in the world in order to bring all things into unity. Work is also a necessary part of our Christian dignity, expressing outwardly in doing our very being as sons and daughters of a loving creator God. Work does not define who we are but rather gives expression in an incarnational way to who we are as well as mysteriously expanding our very being in God.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).