The Jesuit priest reflects on how ordinary jobs, early mistakes, and unglamorous labor shaped his conscience, compassion, and understanding of God’s presence.
I have been a fan of James Martin since he wrote My Life with the Saints. I love the way he shares his life and explains his faith. He is a real gift to the church.
When I was in High School; I used to say “the last thing I want to be is a teacher” I became I teacher! While I was a teacher; I don’t think I want to be a mother; it is a lot of work” had one and then had 2 more! Then I said “I could never be a Secretary”. Then after I retired; I was a religious Education secretary for my Catholic Church. I look back on life. There are no truer words than “by the Grace of God go I!” I look back at all my blessings. Always looking to be loved by my Mom who for one reason or another couldn’t give it to me. God was always there for me. 🙏🏼
Thank you for the article, Chris, most of my summer jobs were because of the comprehensive employment training act signed by our beloved, President James E. Carter. It taught me to respect hard work and my parents were very pleased about the fact their children were learning respect and dignity for the working men and women of America. This money helped me purchase two vehicles, vehicles, pay for gasoline to put in the cars and made sure the oil was changed. It helped me respect my self and others around me. My prayers to Pope Leo ♌️ and Holy Mother Church of cardinals .
Reading this, I can't help but think of Brother Lawrence and his practice of the presence of God. For both Lawrence and Martin, menial work was the gateway to the divine. Thank you so much for this post.
I have been a fan of James Martin since he wrote My Life with the Saints. I love the way he shares his life and explains his faith. He is a real gift to the church.
When I was in High School; I used to say “the last thing I want to be is a teacher” I became I teacher! While I was a teacher; I don’t think I want to be a mother; it is a lot of work” had one and then had 2 more! Then I said “I could never be a Secretary”. Then after I retired; I was a religious Education secretary for my Catholic Church. I look back on life. There are no truer words than “by the Grace of God go I!” I look back at all my blessings. Always looking to be loved by my Mom who for one reason or another couldn’t give it to me. God was always there for me. 🙏🏼
What a great essay. I love Fr Martin. 🙏
Thank you for the article, Chris, most of my summer jobs were because of the comprehensive employment training act signed by our beloved, President James E. Carter. It taught me to respect hard work and my parents were very pleased about the fact their children were learning respect and dignity for the working men and women of America. This money helped me purchase two vehicles, vehicles, pay for gasoline to put in the cars and made sure the oil was changed. It helped me respect my self and others around me. My prayers to Pope Leo ♌️ and Holy Mother Church of cardinals .
Reading this, I can't help but think of Brother Lawrence and his practice of the presence of God. For both Lawrence and Martin, menial work was the gateway to the divine. Thank you so much for this post.