Daily Meditation for February 27, 2023

When God created us unique persons, he gave us specific gifts talents and interests. During his life on earth, Jesus often told his apostles to carry on his work. During this apprenticeship the former fisherman learned to apply skills such as healing, organizing people and resources, financial management, teaching, persuasion, and planning. As modern-day disciples, we also do God’s work in the world. We are mysteriously called to jobs and careers, which are a significant part of our lives but include periods of boredom, dissatisfaction and weariness. A Tibetan Buddhist teacher, scholar and writer, Tulku Thondup, offers this advice: “Even if you have a lot of work to do, if you think of it as wonderful, and if you feel it as wonderful it will transform into the energy of joy and fire, instead of becoming a burden.” Looking beyond tasks, pay and schedules, are there some wonderful things embedded in your work? What feelings—satisfaction, altruism, excitement, involvement—do you experience?

By Mary Jackle, OSB