Collection: Dignity of Work

ARTIST: Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS

ARTWORK NARRATIVE:

The Sabbath is for everyone—all are allowed to rest from their work.
(Deuteronomy 5:13-15)

The Lord blesses our work so that we may share its fruits with others.
(Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

Do not withhold wages from your workers, for their livelihood depends on them.
(Deuteronomy 24:14-15)

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Work should be the setting for this rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play: creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. It follows that, in the reality of today's global society, it is essential that "we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady employment for everyone," no matter the limited interests of business and dubious economic reasoning. We were created with a vocation to work. The goal should not be that technological progress increasingly replace human work, for this would be detrimental to humanity. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfillment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work.
(Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], nos. 127-28)