Sanctification of Work

When we think of vocation, we think primarily of the priesthood and religious life. Sometimes we think of marriage as the vocation of those who don't have a real vocation, if you know what I mean. That leaves single people who aren't religious with no vocation at all. Of course this isn't true, but many, even if subconsciously, believe this.

I was fortunate in my youth to be exposed to Opus Dei and learned early on the importance of every vocation. Part of the universal call to holiness is sanctifying our daily work, whether we be priests, religious, married, or single. This teaching is not new, but needs emphasis and 'restoration':

"...it is through the preaching and example of the Founder of Opus Dei that they have learned that their cares of their work and their family life can be converted into real service to God and others....It must be clear, however, that this way of looking at christian living is not confined to a particular historical period. It is by its nature universal, because as long as there are men on earth they will have to work; so that, with and from work, a way of sanctity has been opened up for all men of all times and cultures. It is not necessary to change places to seek sanctity....To sanctify work requires a respect for the natural order of created things and for legitimate autonomy in temporal matters, because the kingdom of God, far from being a theocratic notion, is a reality in the hearts of all Christians, who give life to the soul of the whole society when they strive to make Christ reign in the centre of their everyday lives." (Msgr. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer - A Profile of the Founder of Opus Dei by Salvador Bernal)