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Faith on the job — never ‘just business’
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February 1, 2021We’ve heard the phrase “It’s just business, it’s not personal.” I‘ve never agreed with that old adage. It is personal. Entrepreneurs and business associates are persons. I am in the food manufacturing business, and in this industry, as in most others, the human person plays an essential role in the success or failure of a business.
An important point-question to ponder is: how does a company qualify success? Is it the bottom line, achieving the highest profit margins? Or a combination of a morally driven culture and mission, while being mindful that profitability should never take precedence over the good of any human person or the common good? I hope we would all agree that the latter should be the measure of any business success.
The establishment and running of a successful business where faith, morals, and ethics are paramount, along with the ideal mission of a business, might not be as easy to accomplish as they sound. While the human person should be the most prized asset of any company, we all know that humans are far from perfect, and at times prone to making the wrong decisions or choices.
There are those holding public office and leading major corporations who believe faith should not play a part in their decision making. How could anyone say they have faith in God, who has created and sustains all that has ever existed, and then simultaneously compartmentalize faith as personal and private, not to be co-mingled with why they exercise their authority? This fallacious thinking is a total contradiction of one’s being. Scripture clearly states: “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
Though faith is a personal matter, it should never be a private matter. One cannot leave home in the morning and head to work leaving faith behind. But it is often a reality that some, if not many, are able to consciously separate their faith from their work and business. This dangerous approach can put one’s faith and work on opposite sides.
Faith defines a person’s character; therefore, it would be unnatural and illogical for anyone to manipulate his character to fit a given business or personal situation. Business and faith should always have a meeting of the minds. A faithful person is one who lives and breathes his faith. The two are inseparable! Faith is at the heart of the person, affecting what is said and done all day long. Faith is not turned on and off like a light switch. Rather, it’s at the heart of who we are as persons.
When business and faith are on the same page, that’s when business and work are done justly and when each person’s dignity reaches its highest peak. It’s what makes for a godly and just society.
CHEF NEIL FUSCO is founder of Cucina Antica Foods, Corp., a specialty Italian food-products company. Raised on a farm in San Marzano in southern Italy, he learned his family’s farm production and cooking. His 2017 cookbook, May Love Be the Main Ingredient At Your Table, presents amusing and heartfelt stories about faith, family, and recipes from his Old World childhood.
Braciole al Ragu – serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
2½ lbs. chuck roast, thinly sliced (about 12 slices)
¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 tbsp. pine nuts
1 tbsp. garlic, minced
¼ cup olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
½ cup red wine
4 cups Cucina Antica Tomato Basil sauce
Salt, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes
Preparation:
Combine Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, pine nuts, and minced garlic to make filling. Season meat with salt. Place a tablespoon of filling on half of the meat. Roll slices and tie with butcher’s twine.
Place meat in a deep pot (about seven quarts). Add oil and onions. Turning frequently, cook meat over medium-high heat until it browns (about 10 minutes).
Add wine and cook until liquid is evaporated. Stir in sauce, salt, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered on low heat for 90 minutes, stirring regularly. Serve braciole with pasta or on its own.
