Work as participation in God's creation.

The understanding of work as participation in God's creation is present in the great monotheistic religions of the world. However, in Christianity it is strikingly illustrated by the example of Christ, the ``son of the carpenter.'' Human work is thus understood as man's cooperation in completing the act of creation, as an act of submission to His Will, and as a lively expression of the petition ``give us this day our daily bread.''

The faithful, therefore must learn the deepest meaning and the value of all creation, and its orientation to the praise of God. Even by their secular activity they must assist one another to live holier lives. In this way the world will be permeated by the spirit of Christ and more effectively achieve its purpose in justice, charity and peace... Therefore, by their competence in secular fields and by their personal activity, elevated from within by the grace of Christ, let them work vigorously so that by human labour, technical skill, and civil culture created goods may be perfected according to the design of the Creator and the light of his Word. [Cou65, No. 36]