Work and spirituality

Abstract

The article raises the issue indicated as very essential by blessed John Paul II in his encyclical Laborem exercens. This wide topic has been presented taking into consideration the following points. Attention has been paid to work as a multidimensional and ambiguous reality. Next, the problem of the relation between work and sin as well as its negative consequences has been discussed. It is associated, among others, with the false and widespread belief that work constitutes a punishment for sin and its result in the Christian understanding. However, we are dealing here, above all, with the aspect of human likeness to God given by Him and the powerful tool of salvation. Another thematic block regards the understanding and experiencing work as the participation in the act of God, who creates (creatio prima et continua). Then, relations between work and Christ as well as the act of salvation carried out by Him has been presented, including experiencing work as the participation in His cross and in relation to His resurrection. What is more, the topic of eschatological meaning of work, its associations with the eternal fullness of life as granting the excellence to the activity of the saved (creatio nova) has been raised.