Episode Transcript  

One

The Famous Motto

Maybe you have heard the saying, “Work as though everything depends on you and pray as though everything depends on God.” Some attribute this to St. Ignatius of Loyola, though there is no evidence he ever said it.

There is an important truth here. It reminds us not to be lazy but to take responsibility and work hard, knowing all the while that God is in control. The truth is, God does not bless laziness. St. Paul told the Thessalonians, “If anyone will not work, let him not eat” (2 Thess 3:10). Meaningful work, some way to contribute to the good of the world, is a necessary ingredient of happiness. Understood rightly, this motto should stir us to do our duty faithfully, while humbly relying on the Lord.

Two

How Pride Distorts It

Understood in the right way, this motto is good. But there can be a danger: in a culture driven by pride, competition, and achievement, this motto is easily twisted. Instead of freeing us, it becomes a crushing burden. “Everything depends on me. If I don’t work harder, if I don’t plan perfectly, if I don’t hold everything together, it will all collapse.”

We can fall into the trap of thinking, “If I don’t do enough, God’s plan will fail.” That is not just mistaken, it is the lie of pride. This distortion breeds perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout. The businessperson worries that if they don’t hit the numbers, everything will fall apart. The parent fears that if they don’t do everything just right, their children will be ruined. The missionary or leader frets that if donations don’t come in, God’s plan is blocked. We rush frenetically, neglect prayer, and live as if God were an afterthought.

This is not the way of Christ, who said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28).

Three

God Is the First Cause of All Good

The tendency of fallen human nature is to fall back into pride, which is self-reliance. Humility, on the other hand, is to live in the truth. And the truth is twofold: We can do nothing good without God’s help. God nevertheless calls us to cooperate with Him.

The first reality check is this: God never leaves us alone to carry the burden by ourselves. In fact, we do nothing alone. At every moment, God is carrying you. He gives you existence and sustains you. Without Him, you would vanish. Without Him, you cannot even think a good thought or lift a finger in love. He is the First Cause of all that is good.

When Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5), He meant it literally. We are utterly and completely dependent on God at every moment. So, God wants His children to take initiative and be responsible and work hard, but never as if the whole world rests on their shoulders. God holds up the whole world. He just gives his kids the joy of helping out. 

Four

We Are Secondary Cooperators

The second part of this reality check is that God wants our free collaboration. Even though God is the source of all that is good, He wants us to share in the joy of helping bring about His plan. In His wisdom, He gives angels and humans the dignity of truly contributing. What we choose and do really matters. As St. Paul says, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Cor 3:9). Grace doesn’t replace our freedom, it perfects it.

That’s why St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that God is the first cause of every good, yet He always works through secondary causes. Our efforts matter, though they always depend on Him.

The good news is that God knows our limitations and weaknesses. Even when we fail, His providence is never defeated. If we turn back to Him, He can even weave our mistakes into His saving plan, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him.” (Rom 8:28).

So, we can rest in peace. God gives us real responsibility, but He alone carries the weight of the world.

Five

The Right Expression of the Motto

So what is our takeaway? The formula is not “maximum effort plus maximum stress.” It is “maximum reliance on God plus faithful cooperation.” As a resolution, let me suggest a better motto: “Pray as if everything depends on God, and work responsibly knowing everything depends on God.”

This doesn’t mean laziness or irresponsibility. St. John of the Cross was tireless in reforming religious life, founding monasteries, raising funds, and writing works that shaped souls for centuries. Yet he did it all with detachment from outcomes, knowing that unless God breathed life into his work, it was nothing. His task was to cooperate; God’s task was to bring the fruit.

So, do what is necessary, but let go of the results. Live in peace. Then your work becomes prayer, your prayer becomes rest, and your whole life becomes God’s.

If you enjoyed this meditation, subscribe below.