This passage from Matthew\u2019s Gospel has inspired songwriters for generations, with worship songs like \u201cWe are the Light of the World\u201d, by American Roman Catholic composer, Jean Anthony Greif. The entire congregation seems to lean in, moved by the idea that we have something to give the world \u2013 our work matters. We feel the emotion, and then we realize it\u2019s not about us. It\u2019s about doing what we do to give glory to God.<\/p>\n
How many of us leave that emotion at church as we head back to work on Monday without connecting our everyday lives to Matthew\u2019s Gospel? It\u2019s easy to see why. Some reports show U.S. job satisfaction levels registering at one of the lowest points in history. Whether you call it a lack of employee engagement or quiet quitting, most of us are stressed by what\u2019s happening at work. We all struggle with the increasing disparity between our take-home pay and the high cost of living, the complexities of digital technology, the challenge of interactions between five generations in the workforce, plus the societal pressure to consume more, be more, and brag about it all on social media. It\u2019s too much.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/workandcreate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MJ-on-a-shoot-with-Sean.webp” title_text=”MJ on a shoot with Sean” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ width=”74%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”556px” custom_margin=”180px|0vw|||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|0vw|||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Post Body” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”-76px||-96px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_2_font=”Bellefair||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”48px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”Bilbo Swash Caps||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_5_text_color=”#E02B20″ header_5_font_size=”21px” header_5_line_height=”1.6em” header_6_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”#ff4e00″ header_6_font_size=”12px” header_6_letter_spacing=”2px” header_6_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”700px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”36px||||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_6_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_6_font_size_phone=”34px” header_6_font_size_last_edited=”off|phone” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_2_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_3_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_4_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_5_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_6_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_2_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_3_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_4_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_5_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_6_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_2_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_4_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_6_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_2_3_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_3_3_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_4_3_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_5_3_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_6_3_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_2_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_3_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_4_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_5_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_6_3_font_size_phone=”28px” header_2_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_6_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_4_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_4_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_4_4_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_5_4_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_6_4_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_2_4_font_size_phone=”18px” header_3_4_font_size_phone=”18px” header_4_4_font_size_phone=”18px” header_5_4_font_size_phone=”18px” header_6_4_font_size_phone=”18px” header_2_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_6_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_5_font_size_phone=”16px” header_3_5_font_size_phone=”16px” header_4_5_font_size_phone=”16px” header_5_5_font_size_phone=”16px” header_6_5_font_size_phone=”16px” header_2_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_4_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_5_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_6_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet”]
Saint John Paul II defined it perfectly in his Encyclical Letter, Laborem Exercens (On Human Work), \u201cAwareness that man’s work is a participation in God’s activity ought to permeate, as the Council teaches, even “the most ordinary everyday activities. For, while providing the substance of life for themselves and their families, men and women are performing their activities in a way that appropriately benefits society. They can justly consider that by their labour they are unfolding the Creator’s work, consulting the advantages of their brothers and sisters, and contributing by their personal industry to the realization in history of the divine plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
His emphasis on \u201cthe most ordinary everyday activities\u201d reminds us that regardless of what our work entails, from the board room to the laundry room, we all have important work to do.<\/p>\n
The notion that man\u2019s work is a participation in God\u2019s activity is more challenging to understand and truly believe. However, Saint John Paul II insists we get the point as he stresses that this idea \u201cought to permeate\u201d and that \u201cThey can justly consider that by their labour they are unfolding the Creator\u2019s work…\u201d<\/p>\n
As Matthew\u2019s passage continues, we learn that our work is more than simply the task at hand. How we work is meant to be seen for the sake of others: \u201cNo one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand\u2026\u201d (Matthew 5:15). A lamp helps us see more clearly, lighting the way.<\/p>\n
How, then, do we do our work to bring glory to God? Beyond simply giving our best to the assignment, it\u2019s about what others see in us. How do we respond to that annoying co-worker? Can we let a rude comment slide, especially from a manager or boss? Do we resist joining in on the latest gossip? Are we the ones who stand up and speak honestly on a difficult topic and calm a contentious environment instead of escalating it?<\/p>\n
To find peace and let our light shine, we must find the courage to live our faith at work. Most of us were never taught how to do that. We are adept at reading the cultural signals that our faith is unwelcome at work. However, bringing our faith life into the workday doesn\u2019t necessarily mean boldly leading a prayer service in a breakout session on the next virtual meeting. It means our faith life and our work life should not be separate.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Bishop Barron often speaks about how we should \u201cbear patiently the troublesome\u201d.” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”^||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ff4e00″ image_icon_width=”0px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ header_font=”–et_global_heading_font|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ee8b4b” header_font_size=”23px” header_line_height=”1.6em” body_font=”Rubik|300|||||||” body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”2em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ body_font_size_tablet=”15px” body_font_size_phone=”14px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” icon_font_size=”20px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
So, patience is one way. Two of the Beatitudes in Matthew\u2019s passage can help us shine our light in the workplace: \u201cBlessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy\u201d and \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God\u201d (Matthew 5: 7,9). We can show compassion at work by giving others the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they didn\u2019t mean to insult us. We can lead, stepping up to help the group collaborate and work peacefully to resolve a tense situation.<\/p>\n
Patience. Mercy. Peace. Learning to stop hiding our faith at work means building our internal strength and reliance on God. Draw closer to Him in prayer. Ask for patience when headed into that difficult meeting.<\/p>\n
Pray The Jesus Prayer silently when approaching a challenging conversation. Maybe it\u2019s that same direct report disrupting the team, again. Breathe in and out slowly while praying, \u201cLord, Jesus Christ, Son of God. Have mercy on me, a sinner.\u201d It changes our focus and makes us realize these frustrations are small. We can manage workplace challenges with grace.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”We notice those who exhibit a quiet confidence at work. ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”^||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ff4e00″ image_icon_width=”0px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ header_font=”–et_global_heading_font|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ee8b4b” header_font_size=”23px” header_line_height=”1.6em” body_font=”Rubik|300|||||||” body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”2em” custom_padding=”||||false|false” body_font_size_tablet=”15px” body_font_size_phone=”14px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” icon_font_size=”20px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]
They are the ones we naturally want to spend the most time with. We can learn by watching them carefully and looking for clues. These are the people who avoid getting caught up in the drama. They don\u2019t complain about clients or co-workers. They seem to find the good in everyone and easily connect with others. It\u2019s fair to ask how they do it. And we shouldn\u2019t be surprised when their answers reflect our faith, even if faith-sharing is not their intention. We can see the good in others. Their light is shining.<\/p>\n
When we\u2019re going through something at work, often, that voice in our head is reciting all the negatives on repeat. We\u2019re so good at identifying what\u2019s wrong. Pausing to consider how someone else chooses<\/em> to react can be just enough of an interruption to refocus our thoughts on who God says we are.<\/p>\n We are the light of the world. Let your light shine\u2014even at work.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Comments” _builder_version=”4.16″ disabled=”on” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” header_2_font=”Bellefair||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”31px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_2_font_size_phone=”34px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jb21tZW50X2NvdW50Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiPGgyPiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIENvbW1lbnRzPC9oMj4iLCJsaW5rX3RvX2NvbW1lbnRzX3BhZ2UiOiJvbiJ9fQ==@[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_comments show_avatar=”off” 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A city built on a hill cannot be hid.\u00a0 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":43,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-79","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-work-life"],"yoast_head":"\nJoin<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_signup mailchimp_list=”elegantthemestest|1ea2bbd026″ layout=”top_bottom” first_name_field=”off” last_name_field=”off” title=”Work & Create Newsletter” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ form_field_background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” form_field_text_color=”#000000″ form_field_focus_background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” header_font=”Rubik|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”38px” header_line_height=”1.2em” form_field_font=”Montserrat|600||on|||||” form_field_text_align=”center” form_field_font_size=”11px” form_field_letter_spacing=”3px” use_background_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”11px” button_text_color=”#fff0ec” button_bg_color=”#000000″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”Montserrat|600||on|||||” button_custom_padding=”20px|30px|20px|30px|true|true” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”light” max_width=”550px” module_alignment=”center” header_font_size_tablet=”42px” header_font_size_phone=”34px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii_fields=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_color_all_fields=”#000000″ border_width_bottom_fields=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover=”#ff4e00″ button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_signup][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_letter_spacing=”8px” text_line_height=”1.8em” positioning=”absolute” position_origin_a=”bottom_right” vertical_offset=”-120px” horizontal_offset=”-120px” z_index=”1″ vertical_offset_tablet=”-240px” vertical_offset_phone=”” vertical_offset_last_edited=”on|tablet” horizontal_offset_tablet=”0px” horizontal_offset_phone=”” horizontal_offset_last_edited=”on|tablet” position_origin_a_tablet=”bottom_left” position_origin_a_phone=”” position_origin_a_last_edited=”on|phone” position_origin_f_tablet=”” position_origin_f_phone=”” position_origin_f_last_edited=”on|tablet” position_origin_r_tablet=”” position_origin_r_phone=”” position_origin_r_last_edited=”on|tablet” width=”240px” height=”240px” custom_padding=”120px|10px|0px|120px|false|false” link_option_url=”#” scroll_rotating=”0|50|50|100|0\u00b0|0\u00b0|-45\u00b0” motion_trigger_start=”top” positioning_tablet=”” positioning_phone=”” positioning_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” text_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” text_text_color__hover=”#ff4e00″ border_color_all__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” border_color_all__hover=”#ff4e00″]