Comments on: IPLW-Faith, “Assembly #2,” pp. 79-115

By: frjcmaximilian

frjcmaximilian — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:02:53 +0000

Dear Livia,
I think you are missing the point. There is a difference between busyness and work. Right from the beginning (well, after the Fall), God had Adam and Eve work. Again, the most fundamental work for us to do, is the most fundamental thing that Jesus did — be obedient to God. Most definitely we need time for prayer, quiet time of resting in the Lord, but most of us are not called to me contemplative monks, so we also engage in work. Actually, even the most contemplative of monks engage in work. Look at the movie, “Into Great Silence,” about the Carthuesians, the strictest religious order; they work in their cell. What Msgr. Giussani is saying here is nothing new; St. James wrote in his letter, “those who do not work, should not eat.” The key is not to overly identify your whole self with the particular job, but with doing the will of God. Being open to the reality of the moment, of what God is calling you to do.

By: Livia

Livia — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:59:47 +0000

Dear Fr., Thanj you for your thoughts. I stumbled upon your website today and am puzzled by your remarks. You seem to equate our worth as God’s children to our ability to remain busy, whether it’s fruitful or not. Sometimes God finds us most receptive in our times of failure, vulnerability and inactivity. I believe the scriptures support the notion of taking time alone, time not regimented, to hear God’s voice and discover his desires for us. Also, for many, the struggle to support their families is not new or the result of the current economic crisis. Middle class America is feeling it only now. But most of the world lives — literally — “give us this day our daily bread.” Perhaps we can learn from them.

By: MaryBeth

MaryBeth — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:57:49 +0000

Father JC,
Often people define themselves by the job or “work” they do,when really it is only one aspect of us.Our total being is in loving & serving.
Sometimes we are forced to be away from our work( temp. lay offs, medical conditions etc..)
I think that at these times God is asking you to stop & take inventory of your life. it may mark a change you need to make or just a time to grow closer to Him.