Scrubbing Toilets for God

It probably sounds a little crazy to hear someone say that they can scrub toilets for God! I am here to tell you that it is possible. It is possible to do even the most miniscule task for the Lord. Any task, no matter how small or large, when done for God, gains extraordinary meaning. Our lives take on new meaning when we offer God not only ourselves, but our joys, works and sufferings. Catholics should be able to recite their morning offering, "O My God, I offer Thee all my prayers, works, and sufferings, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass...." We are all called to Holiness, something that Pope John Paul II, reminded us of frequently. He also reminded us that we can offer everything to God, especially our sufferings. We watched as he suffered in front of the entire world the last years of his life. He continued to work for God while offering his suffering up to the Lord until the very end.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter twenty-five, verse forty, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for the least brothers of mine, you did for me." This one statement gives my life meaning. As a homeschooling mom of three boys, I can sometimes forget my purpose amid the chaos of daly life. Anything we do for others, we do for Christ Himself. This very statement should fill our souls with great joy! We have the opportunity to do something for Jesus Himself in a real and substantial way while here on earth.

We sanctify our lives when we do our daily work for God. Whether you are a doctor, lawyer, priest, or a stay at home mom like me, you are called to holiness. God wants our entire being, He wants us to offer to Him not only our prayers, but our woks, joys and sufferings. This has been my saving grace. Knowing that everything I do for others, I do for Christ has helped me when life with two chronically ill children becomes overwhelming. Every dose of medication I dispense, every nose I wipe, every night I am up with a sick child, it is Jesus Himself that I am caring for. When I am alone with two kids going under anesthesia, it is knowing that I am taking care of Christ that gives me strength. While I do not understand why my children are sick, I do know that their suffering can have extraordinary meaning. Their suffering can be a beautiful prayer for so many! God can use anything we have to offer. We only have to offer it up to Him.

St. Theresa of Avila said: "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; Yours are his eyes through which to look out Christ's compassion to the world; Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good; Yours are the hands with which he is to bless now!"

Christ works through each one of us, if we allow Him. Mother Teresa surrendered herself to God saying that she was like a pencil in God's hands - she was only the pencil and God did all of the writing. So it is with each of us. Our acts gain supernatural meaning when we allow God to work through us. When we surrender to the Will of God like Mother Teresa, God gives us the grace and strength we need to be His hands in this world. He gives us all that we need to accomplish spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

No matter your station in life, your work is important and has meaning when done for God. If you find yourself overwhelmed with caring for a sick loved one, see Christ in that person. It will transform your life. As a mother, I get tired of scrubbing toilets, washing clothes and other household chores. St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei said, "Any job, no matter how hidden, no matter how insignificant, when offered to the Lord is charged with the strength of God's life!" Thinking of scrubbing toilets in this light, it becomes an amazing job filled with extraordinary meaning. When we know Him, love Him and serve Him in this world, we know that we will be happy with Him for all eternity. By doing our work for Christ and being His hands in this world we show Him that we know Him, love Him and that we want to serve Him in this world. May we all be happy with Him for all eternity.