Working in the Church Pope Shenouda’s sermon on the 17th anniversary of his enthronement at the Monastery of St. Bishoy
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III opens his word by affirming that work is required in the church and in the life of the human, and that God created the human for work; even in Paradise work was required for preservation and care.
The Necessity of Work in Every Situation
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that work is not a luxury or merely an external activity, but a human and divine continuous nature; the heart and mind and body are all called to work, even during sleep there is subconscious work.
Practical Examples and the Monastic Experience
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III shares his experience in the monastery where he worked in agriculture and construction and writing and translation, noting that monasticism itself contains spiritual and practical work and that the monk should be a “worker” in virtue and work.
Quality of Work and Its Effect
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the difference between one person and another in work is seriousness and mastery and fruitfulness, and that righteous studied and perfected work leaves an impression and will be accounted for on the day of judgment.
Work of the Church and Society
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III stresses that the whole church must work together; the patriarch or the priest cannot work alone without the participation of the people and servants, and that work includes service for the church and the homeland and the society and all humanity.
Preparing Generations for the Future
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III calls for work for future generations, including buying land and planning for the future, because what we leave affects those who come after us.
Allocation of Roles and Responsibility
He likens the need for wide cooperation to having “cherubim” with eyes in every direction to perceive what must be done, and urges that no one be idle or negligent but that he work within himself and on the level of souls and outwardly.
Spiritual Conclusion
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III concludes by affirming that work must be with God: we are workers with God, and God works in us and with us, and the goal is God’s eternal glory.
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