As Catholics, we understand that God can use everyday things to offer us His grace and bring us closer to Him. We’re not talking about the seven sacraments, like Baptism or the Eucharist, which were instituted by Christ Himself. Instead, we’re looking at sacramentals, which are “sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1667). These are items, actions, or prayers that can remind us of God’s love and help us grow in our faith. Think of them like tools in a toolbox for living a good Christian life.
Now, you may be wondering what this has to do with your office. Well, your office is a place where you spend a good chunk of your time, right? It’s a part of your life that could use a touch of grace, just like any other. Here are three powerful sacramentals that can help you make your workspace not just a place of earthly business, but also a platform for spiritual growth.
The Crucifix: A Reminder of Ultimate Love
“Take up your cross and follow me,” said Jesus (Matthew 16:24). A crucifix in your office does more than merely decorate the wall; it’s a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and love for us. A crucifix differs from a cross because it depicts Jesus crucified, rather than just a plain cross. That makes it more than a symbol; it’s like a picture of the moment our salvation was won.
The Catechism tells us that “by the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord” (CCC, 1514). The presence of a crucifix serves as a reminder that our own sufferings, even the stress of work, can be united with the sufferings of Christ for our good and the good of the world.
How to Use It
Place a crucifix where you can easily see it during your workday. When you’re struggling or facing difficulties, a glance at the crucifix can serve as a spiritual “pause button,” reminding you to offer up your sufferings and tasks of the day to God.
Holy Water: A Baptismal Wake-Up Call
Holy water is more than just H2O; it’s water that has been blessed by a priest. In Catholic belief, it serves as a reminder of our Baptism. It’s like a spiritual wake-up splash that says, “Hey, remember, you’re a child of God.”
The use of holy water is tied to the idea of purification and protection against evil. The Catechism mentions, “Holy water is a sacramental that recalls the Baptism of the believer who thus makes a gesture of interior repentance” (CCC, 1668, paraphrased).
How to Use It
Consider keeping a small bottle of holy water in your office. Use it to bless yourself at the beginning of the day or in challenging moments to remember your Baptism and your call to holiness.
A Rosary: Prayer Beads for the Busy
A rosary is a string of beads used to help one pray. It’s not a piece of jewelry or a mere decoration; it’s a tool for prayer, designed to help us meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
The rosary has been endorsed by numerous saints and popes as a powerful form of prayer. While the rosary is not explicitly mentioned in the Catechism, the prayer forms that compose the rosary—such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the meditations on the life of Christ—are rooted in Scripture and Tradition.
How to Use It
Keep a rosary on your desk or in a drawer. Whenever you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, or when you need a moment of spiritual refreshment, grab the rosary and start praying. You don’t have to pray the whole thing at once; even one decade can offer a spiritual boost.
Conclusion
Sacramentals like the crucifix, holy water, and the rosary are not magical items; they don’t have power in themselves. Their power lies in their ability to direct our thoughts and prayers to God, to remind us of the truths of our faith, and to spur us on to live a more Christian life.
Having these three sacramentals in your office will serve as a constant reminder of God’s presence and help you maintain a sense of spiritual focus amid the busyness of the workday. And in doing so, your office becomes not just a workspace but also a sacred space.