Dawn Carpenter on the Dignity of Work

"We have all done it. We have walked past a beggar on the street. We have purchased groceries from a cashier whose eyes we did not meet. We have insisted on the least expensive goods available to us. We have been impatient with a doctor when our appointment time is delayed. Some of us have even mumbled under our breath about a fussy baby on an airplane. What do these seemingly disparate scenarios have in common? These are times when we fail to appreciate the importance of understanding the dignity inherent in all forms of work.

"For those of faith, we understand that God calls each of us in Genesis 2:15 - without burden - to till and keep the earth. This is a duty inherent in who we are as mankind created in the image and likeness of God. By our very nature, we share in the process of creation. Each of us is called to work as a duty to God.

"Pope Francis reminds us that work is fundamental to the dignity of the human person. He explains that 'work 'anoints' with dignity, and that dignity is not conferred by one's ancestry, family life or education. Dignity as such comes solely from work. We eat with what we earn, we support our families with what we earn. It doesn't matter if it's a little or a lot. If it's more, all the better."

"However, without an understanding of the true nature of work, we can be indifferent to our responsibilities as workers and as beneficiaries of the work of others."

In a recent commentary, Dawn Carpenter reflected on the dignity of work and on why we should care about work and the workers who carry it out.

To access Ms. Carpenter's complete post, please visit:

Catholic Stand: Indifference to the Dignity of Work (10 FEB 15)