Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis today stressed the importance of avoiding slavery to work, (above) describing society’s focus on economic gain as ‘putting the human rhythms of life at risk.’

“Let us turn first to celebrations which, as we see from the Story of Creation, are the invention of God, who on the seventh day rested from his work,” the Pope said at the weekly Papal general audience in Paul VI audience hall. “True moments of celebration make us pause from our work, because they remind us that we are made in the image and likeness of God, who is not a slave to work, but the Lord of work! And so we must never be slaves to work but rather its master!

“We know that millions of men and women, even children, are slaves to work. The obsession with economic profit and technical efficiency puts the human rhythms of life at risk.”

The reflections came as part of the Holy Father’s series of catechesis on the subject of family, looking particularly at ‘the three facets of family life: celebration, work and prayer.’

The Pope also highlighted the role of the Eucharist in achieving a healthy family life.

“Moments of rest, especially on Sunday, are sacred because in them we find God,” he said. “The Sunday Eucharist brings to our celebrations every grace of Jesus Christ: his presence, his love and his sacrifice; his forming us into a community, and his way of being with us. Everything is transfigured by his grace: work, family, the joys and trials of each day, even our sufferings and death.”