The workplace. Many of us spend more time there than we do with our families. As a result, observing Lent at work can feel awkward or daunting. It is easy to forget we are around people who are different from us. 

I specifically remember one Ash Wednesday during a group meeting; I was the only one with ashes on my forehead. Thankfully, folks were more curious than judgmental.

Later, some co-workers brought their children to the office since the public schools were out of session.

The father of one of the children asked me to explain to his curious son why Catholics put the… the…

“Ashes?” I said.

“Yeah!”

It was a delightful opportunity to explain that it’s not dirt on my forehead and tell them about Lent. The kid smiled and was interested in learning more about how others worship Our Lord. After work, I informed my wife, and we reflected on this remarkable moment. 

If only the workplace were always so heartfelt and endearing. Employees today find maintaining an ideal work-life balance challenging. According to the Calm App’s 2023 Workplace Mental Health Trends Report, over 50% of employees say work stress negatively impacts their personal lives. 

What does this mean? It means our negative interactions with clients, customers, employees, bosses, and co-workers take a toll on us: mind, body, and spirit. As a result, it even takes work to stay positive. 

Similarly, Lent has its challenges. For example, it requires considerable effort to say no to that slice of chocolate cake at the staff party, to keep it light during tight deadlines, or to deny yourself drinks after work to blow off steam. Again, the spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak. 

But that is its purpose, for these are truly holy moments—great opportunities to pick up our cross and imitate Christ. On the other hand, if we view our daily tasks as meaningless unpleasantries, we will doubtlessly become bitter and fail to cultivate any virtue.

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:20-21:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

We must resolve to be sanctified through our jobs to develop an honorable Christian character. At the same time, we need to guard against working too much. Those who work too much so often do so for unhealthy reasons: avoiding home, getting unmet needs met, the need for approval, etc. Workaholics do not benefit themselves, their families, or society.

This St. Joseph’s Day, let us reflect on how the Foster father of the Son of God taught Jesus the dignity and joy of eating the bread that is the fruit of one’s labor. St. Joseph did so not as a bombastic power player but as a quiet carpenter who earned an honest living. In providing for that family, St. Joseph knew when to leave work behind, as he did when he fled to Egypt to protect his Holy Family.

While achieving that proper work-life balance can be needlessly complicated and burdensome, let us look to St. Joseph as our aide in achieving the impossible.

St. Joseph, Model of Workmen, help me to make Christ known through the way I carry myself at work. Pray that I may work diligently and faithfully, and help me to make time for God, family, and rest.

St. Joseph, pray for us.