The Principle Work of the Christian

"Then said they unto him, what shall we do that we might work the works of God?"(Jn. 6:28)

It is a fair question and one to which every Christian ought to know the answer. I have a feeling that if you asked this question to any 10 Christians (depending on the denomination) you would get a breakdown something like this:

Evangelism/Missions-4
Social Justice-3
Worship-2
"Wait...Christians have to work?"-1

And it is true that it is of utmost importance that we tell our neighbors that Jesus has made a way for them to be free of their sins. It is true that we ought to fight against things like abortion and that we should feed the poor and care for widows/orphans. Furthermore, worship is the center of the Christian life. We are made to worship God, which is why the scenes we have of heaven from the Scriptures portray endless worship of the thrice-Holy.

But when the Apostles asked the question about what they must do in order to do the work of God, Jesus answered them and said "This is the work of God, that you believe on him he hath sent."(V. 29) When I read this the other night, I have to admit I was a bit surprised at the answer Christ made. But it makes sense. Of the three legitmate answers to the question given above, none are possible if you do not first believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was sent into the world by his Father to be its Redeemer. Or said a more famous way,"Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Heb. 11:6)

As Christians approaching Holy Week, keep two things in mind. First, the very simple of prayer of St. Faustina. "Jesus I trust in you." And secondly, the timeless prayer of the unnamed father in Mark 9 "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief." But more than keep them in mind, pray these two powerful prayers. In this way our hearts and minds will be transformed by God's love and we will indeed do the the work of our Lord.