Our Age Is the Age of Work
Our Age Is the Age of Work
Not the Age of Talk or Appearances
Our age is an age whose image has changed from what it once was—an age in which everyone works, with no room for talk or appearances.
In the past, the king used to sit on a great throne to receive reverence and veneration from all. Now, the head of state sits at his desk to study and research, to meet and discuss, to travel and negotiate. He expends all his effort for the sake of his country, in toil and fatigue, sweat and struggle.
The presidency has now become responsibility and effort, not throne and majesty.
Kings in former times used to rest in their palaces while people suffered to make them happy. As for presidents now, they suffer in order to make people happy. The concepts of time have changed.
We say this as a greeting to the Arab presidents and kings as they meet in Rabat, studying the issue of their countries and striving for their happiness—direct striving, not through their subordinates, ambassadors, or ministers.
We are in an age whose foundation is work and toil, from the greatest heads to the smallest within the state. An age in which a minister stays up past midnight working for his country. Gone is the time when ruling becomes a kind of sacrifice that sometimes reaches the level of martyrdom.
Greetings to the Director of Health in the Canal, who continued working during the October War for the sake of his wounded and injured brothers, until he fell as a martyr of love and faithfulness to work, amid a wreath of admiration from his fellow citizens.
Everyone now works, and in his work does not devote himself to appearances.
The age of grandeur and boasting has passed away, and simplicity has taken its place in everything.
Where is the age of titles and medals, official attire and lofty thrones, and the various manifestations of greatness? None of these exist now. We are in a time whose pride is in work and productivity.
A person is now measured by his work and productivity, not by his titles, and not by his words.
In the past, leaders and pioneers were the orators who shook the pulpits. Now leadership belongs to those who think and work, even in silence.
The caravan now moves on; those who join it are the workers, not those who shout.
The Lord Christ said, “My Father is working until now, and I also work.” Thus He set before us a plan of work to follow. Let us work while it is day. And each one will receive his reward according to his work.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Fifth Year – Issue Five – November 2, 1974
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