The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines charity as “the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God” (1822). You can do this first by following God’s commandments and the precepts of the Catholic Church, as all Catholics striving to perfect their charity do, but also through your duties as a leader in your business.
Pope Benedict XV once said that “sanctity properly consists only in conformity to God’s will, expressed in a constant and exact fulfillment of the duties of our state in life.” He beautifully emphasized that holiness is not found in extraordinary actions but in faithfully living out one’s daily duties in alignment with God’s will. In short, Benedict XV points out that the sanctification of your ordinary life—specifically, how you lead yourself and others at work—is your path to holiness.
Additionally, Pope Pius XI commented that “it takes uncommon virtue to fulfill with exactitude—that is, without carelessness, negligence, or indolence, but with attention, piety, and spiritual fervor—the whole combination of ordinary duties which make up our daily life.”
Of course, this is easier said than done. If you read about any of the saints, you’ll see that they experienced limitations and weaknesses in their ordinary duties and life circumstances, yet they attained great holiness. They can guide you, as you likely face the same kinds of struggles or barriers to holiness as they did. I have classified some of these barriers into three categories: physiological, psychological and spiritual. The following list is not exhaustive!
Physiological issues can hinder personal growth by affecting your overall well-being, energy levels and ability to pursue goals. Some common physical factors include chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or autoimmune disorders; general fatigue; sleep disorders; chronic pain; nutritional deficiencies; neurological conditions like ADHD, epilepsy or multiple sclerosis; substance abuse; hormonal imbalances; physical disabilities such as mobility or sensory impairments; and being either overweight or underweight.
Psychological issues can also significantly hinder spiritual growth by affecting one’s mindset, emotional health and ability to act. Some key psychological barriers include anxiety disorders, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, negative thought patterns, past emotional or psychological trauma, fear of failure, procrastination, behavioral or substance addictions, emotional dysregulation (such as difficulty managing emotions like anger or road rage), foul language, impatience, holding onto grudges, irascibility, bitterness, cruelty, lust, personality disorders, chronic stress, learned helplessness, obsessive-compulsive tendencies and attachment issues.
Spiritual issues can hinder individuals from attaining holiness by directly affecting one’s relationship with God and sense of purpose. Some spiritual obstacles that can block the path to holiness are lack of, or a superficial, faith; pride; attachment to sin, wealth, possessions, or worldly success; being influenced or oppressed by Satan; spiritual apathy (acedia); lack of a prayer life; resentment or unforgiveness; attachment to pleasure and fear of suffering; lack of humility; inconsistent moral living (living a divided life); neglecting the sacraments; despair; excessive focus on entertainment, social media or other people’s lives; and relativism.
Addressing our physiological, psychological and spiritual issues helps us on the path to holiness by creating an integrated life where all aspects of our being work together to fulfill God’s will. Physiological health provides the energy needed for the journey. Psychological health brings clarity, peace and emotional balance, allowing deeper relationships with God and neighbors. Spiritual health opens us to God’s grace, guiding us to live virtuously. Together, these efforts enable us to overcome obstacles and grow in holiness, becoming the people God created us to be.
Pope John XXIII offered encouraging words to business leaders in the encyclical Mater et Magistra (1961): “That a man should develop and perfect himself through his daily work—which in most cases is of a temporal character—is perfectly in keeping with the plan of divine Providence. The Church today is faced with an immense task: to humanize and to Christianize this modern civilization of ours. The continued development of this civilization, indeed its very survival, demand and insist that the Church do her part in the world. That is why, as we said before, she claims the co-operation of her laity. In conducting their human affairs to the best of their ability, they must recognize that they are doing a service to humanity, in intimate union with God through Christ, and to God’s greater glory. And St. Paul insisted: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). “All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him’ (Col 3:17).”
Serve the Church by serving humanity through your leadership!
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