Anna's journey from CPA to floor mopper

I have long been intrigued and attracted to the monastic practice of ora et labora or working and praying.  So, I very much enjoyed seeing the picture of Anna that Sr. Lois sent us documenting Anna's journey from CPA to floor mopper.  You've got to love that smile of Anna and the rest of the postulants as they learn the value and dignity of work, no matter how menial the task.

This lifestyle Anna is embarking on can teach us all about the dignity and holiness of work.  Just the picture above shouts so many things about work: obedience, the value of completing tasks properly, to treat each other with dignity, cheerfulness no matter how menial the task, a sense of community..... Work can be a path to holiness and spiritual growth.   

Saint Josemaria Escriva has many writings on the importance of work to holiness in community as well as the business world.  The following quote is one example.

In God's service there are no unimportant posts: all are of great importance. The importance

of the post depends on the spiritual level reached by the person filling it. (The Forge, 618). 

This is so visible in the life of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration and in monastic communities.  There are no visible signs who is a care giver to retired sisters, who is the provincial, who is a teacher, who has a high level role within the Franciscan health network, who has a Masters in Biochemistry (hint, see the red handled mop above), or who is a CPA.  Only when you have one on one discussions do you begin to learn their current and past roles within the community.  Regardless of role or position, the Sisters smile (a lot) and are so filled with joy.         

Let's all reflect more on the importance and value of our daily tasks whether at work or at home.  And pray for those who are unemployed.