09/07/2026
I love reflecting on The Angelus, painted by French artist Jean-François Millet in the 1850s.
At first glance, it’s a simple scene.
A man and woman.
Working the land.
Side by side.
But what I love most is that they’ve stopped working.
The church bells are ringing the Angelus in the distance, so they put down their tools, bow their heads, and pray.
Work. Prayer. Gratitude. Then back to work.
It reminds me how easily we can take for granted the freedom and physical ability to work, provide for our families, take risks, and pursue opportunity in this great country.
There is dignity in work. There is purpose in providing. And Scripture is pretty clear about it:
"If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat." — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
I also think about the Parable of the Talents.
The servants who put what had been entrusted to them to work were rewarded.
The servant who buried his talent out of fear was not.
Because stewardship requires something from us.
Effort. Discipline. And sometimes, risk.
The farmer plants without knowing the harvest.
The business owner invests without knowing the return.
The family sacrifices today believing it can create something better tomorrow.
There are no guarantees. But avoiding all risk carries a cost, too.
God gives each of us different talents, abilities, resources, and opportunities. The question is: What am I doing with what has been entrusted to me?
Am I burying it out of fear?
Or am I working, building, providing, serving, and trusting God with the harvest?
"Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others." — Colossians 3:23
Perhaps The Angelus offers the best reminder of all: Work hard. Take risks. Provide. Build.
But when the bells ring, put down the tools and remember Who gave you the ability to do it in the first place.
Ora et labora. Pray and work.
