In my Who Am I? post, I wrote the following:
“That anguish is strongest and is centered for the most part on my “working” life. In the current context, I use the word work specifically in reference to what I do to earn money. This is as opposed to the general notion of “work” as a healthy human endeavor.”
The SFO formation materials from last month included a chapter on work. As I considered that chapter, the juxtaposition between St. Francis’ views on work and money leapt out at me.
Here are a couple quotes from The Earlier Rule (1221), Chapters VII and VIII, that will demonstrate what I’m talking about.
“Let the brothers who know how to work do so and exercise that trade they have learned, provided it is not contrary to the good of their souls and can be performed honestly.”
“The Apostle says: Whoever does not wish to work shall not eat. (2 Thes 3:10) and Let everyone remain in that trade and office in which he has been called. (1 Cor 7:24) And for their work they can receive whatever is necessary excepting money. And when it is necessary, they may seek alms like other poor people.”
“The Lord teaches in the Gospel: Watch, beware of all malice and greed. (Luke 12:15) Guard yourselves (Luke 21:34, Matthew 13:22) against the anxieties of this world and the cares of this life. Let none of the brothers, therefore, wherever he may be or go, carry, receive, or have received in any way coin or money, whether for clothing, books, or payment of some work…..”
Francis is adamant that the Brothers work, but he is equally adamant that they not take money for the work they perform. He feels so strongly about work that he decrees that anyone who is capable but does not work shall not eat. And yet, he would rather the Brothers go begging for alms than except money for the work they perform.
This outlook is so radically different than the cultural norms of American society that I can barely begin to cope with it. If I were to seriously suggest to anyone I know outside of my Franciscan circle that they should work hard every day, but that they should not except money in exchange, they would think me nuts!
Yet, there is something deeply compelling and attractive here. As a father and husband responsible for supporting his family, I don’t think I can literally embrace this ideal. But there is a lesson to be learned here that can’t be completely unraveled in a single blog post.
I am left to ask, if the purpose of work is not the earning of money, what is the purpose of work?
That’s a good question, and I honestly hadn’t thought of it that way. As a person who doesn’t have a job – I’m on disability – my idea of the purpose of work has changed. Right now, for me, the purpose of work would not only be to earn money (instead of having to depend on others) but also to occupy my mind; to occupy my hands; to lead me into opportunities to share the Gospel; to let me see how grateful others are (and how grateful I should be)… the list goes on and on. I hope that on my Franciscan journey I am able to see all these things and be wise about my decisions concerning work and money.
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