Can I work at a company that supports movements or organizations that are not in line with my beliefs? Fr. Josh answers this question and offers advice on how to discern if your place of work is the right place for you to be. Fr. Josh also shares about a married couple who are on the path to canonization.
Snippet from the Show
When God the Father looks at us, he sees us as a gift.
Shownotes
Glory Story (1:41)
This Episode’s Question (7:21)
Hey Fr. Josh, thank you for taking the time to help me to discern what God is calling me to do moving forward in this situation. I work at a large bank, and following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, they announced that they would now be covering travel expenses for employees to receive abortions if it is illegal in the employee’s home state. I was very disappointed to hear this and I’m deeply concerned about my employer contributing financially towards people receiving abortions. I have been struggling with discerning what moral culpability I have in this situation as someone trying to live as a disciple of Jesus. Do I need to leave this company as a result of this policy? Unfortunately, it seems like most companies are adopting the same policy so I’m concerned about the prospects of finding a job at an employer where they do not have this policy. I want to live radically for Jesus, however I also have to fulfill my duties as a husband and eventually a father (God-willing) in providing for my family. I feel stuck and despite the joy of Roe v. Wade being overturned, I feel very discouraged about the situation. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated in discerning what God is calling me to do.
-Ryan
Saint Story: Servants of God Cyprien and Daphrose Rugamba (20:37)
Cyprien and Daphrose were a married couple that lived in Rwanda. They were married in 1965 two years after Cyprien’s first fiance was killed tragically. Daphrose was a very devout woman and loved her faith greatly. Cyprien, however, had fallen away from the faith and was not a good husband. He was unfaithful to Daphrose and treated her poorly. However, Daphrose remained faithful to her husband and raised their ten children in the faith. She praised constantly for the conversion of her husband.
Seventeen years after they were married, Cyprien became very ill. His illness was undiagnosable and he believed he would die. It was during this time that Cyprien experienced a profound conversion. He asked for the forgiveness of his wife and the two were renewed in their marriage. In 1990, Cyprien and Daphrose established an Emmanuel Community in Rwanda. Their dedication to this community helped it to grow quickly throughout Rwanda even though it was such a tumultuous time in the country.
Cyprien and Daphrose spoke out on the need for unity in Rwanda. They spoke out against some of the immoral and harmful practices that were causing great division in Rwanda. Their work in this led to their assassinations along with six of their ten children.
The cause for Cyprien and Daphrose’s canonizations was opened in September 2015.
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Fr. Josh Johnson
While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.
Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.
