2nd Week of Easter : Thursday 1st May 2025

“The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His  hands.”(v35)Taking Jesus’ words seriously would cast a new light into appreciating our work and colleagues. If we treat the work entrusted to our hands in all our capacity from the Father, whether as the director or the janitor, we would treat people respectfully, making the work environment a place of worth and dignity.

The two scenarios in the passage of Acts 5 and John 3 point to one similar unruly attitude of certain people in the marketplace. They have a proclivity to harass others. However, the Apostles remained unperturbed since they have anchored themselves in their Master Jesus. Remember, Jesus claims, “My Father is ever at work” (Jn 5:17). The Father loves the Son. Love is not detested in delegating true human labour. This connects us to St Joseph, deemed to be a just man. St Joseph the Worker was instituted by Pope Pius XII into the Liturgical Calendar in 1955. It was to highlight the rights and dignity of workers in a postwar environment. The workplace has come a long way since the 1950s, evolving to changing times, the workplace will undoubtedly keep evolving, reflecting the dynamic nature of work itself and, ultimately, workers. Everyone must be given the respect to work. May all in the workforce unite to refrain from abuses and harassments.

Father, may the work of our hands glorify You and magnify our trust in You.