His Holiness Pope Shenouda opens the lecture by affirming that work is an essential part of human and church life, and that God intended man to work since Adam’s creation in the Garden, where he was placed to work and keep it.

The Value of Work in Spiritual and Social Life

He explains that work is not only for material ends but has a spiritual meaning; even the monk must work — spiritual work, service, and defense of the faith — and it is not permissible for a person to be without work.

Examples from Scripture, Nature, and the Body

He cites the Holy Scripture, nature, and the human body to show that everything works continuously: the earth revolves, natural systems operate, and the heart and brain do not stop working even during sleep.

Fruitful and Serious Work

The difference between people is that those who work with seriousness and precision produce fruits, and those who work wrongly or slackly do not benefit; therefore he urges seriousness in work, study, and preparation even in simple matters like delivering a word or preparing a lecture or book.

Monastic Work and Church Service

He clarifies that monks can serve and work intellectually from within the cell — translation, writing, research, and preparing spiritual materials — and that their useful presence is shown by their serious production, not merely by appearance.

Leadership and Preparing for the Future

He warns of the necessity to prepare the church for coming generations: today’s work prepares the future (buying lands, planning) and the church needs watchful eyes and leaders who work accurately and attentively to avoid negligence.

Responsibility of All and Integration of Work

He reiterates that the patriarch or bishop or priest cannot work alone; the church and the congregation must all work with the leaders in harmony so that the works bear fruit, and inner work (changing the self) and outer work (service to society) are both important together.

Concluding Exhortation

In conclusion he reminds that work is worship when accomplished with God: we work with God and grace works in us, so we must not be idle but seek that our lives be serious and fruitful in all fields of worship, service, and love.

For better translation support, please contact the center.