Westhelle and Vocation

Set Free to Cooperate in God's Liberating Labor

Abstract

Vítor Westhelle’s writings on vocation are interpreted through unpacking each phrase of a liturgy for absolution: “By grace you are saved and set free to cooperate in God’s liberating labor.” The grace of God addresses troubled consciences and troubled social bodies. Salvation is found in Christ birthing a new life of faith replacing the power of consuming desires. The freedom of the Christian is lived in metabolic labor, seeking renewal of places of work and exchange, turned outward to the good of the neighbor in need.