The Apostles, who might have lived by the Gospel, labored with their own hands

Nicetas by Fr. Drexelius p. 310 (PDF p. 318)

But sluggard if thou art not yet persuaded to labor, do but attend to S. Paul, who thus invites & pricks thee forward: But to those who are of that sort we denounce, & beseech in our Lord IESV Christ, that working, with silence they eat their bread. Because if anyone will not work, he shall not eat. [2 Thess. 3. 12.] This most skillful physician applies one medicine to many infirmities, for with that only salve of labor he cures all the ulcers proceeding from the root of idleness and sloth. And he observed first himself the law which he gave onto others. For you know, saith he, how you ought to imitate us: because we were not unquiet amongst you; neither have we eaten our bread gratis from anyone, but in labor and weariness day and night working, lest we might be burdensome to any of you. [1. Thess. 2. 7. & 8.]

Behold S. Paul of Tarsus, in that very place, where he sounded the trumpet, which drew the greatest part of the world to the standard of Christ, earned his food by the work of his hands, twisted ropes, made tents & pavilion. Yea the mother of our Lord herself, how far was she at all times from idleness? There was never any woman spent the daily course of her life in better order than this most B. Virgin; who from the break of day till the third hour, applied herself seriously to her prayers; from that time till noon in spinning; and after dinner (which she took very sparingly) entertained the rest of the day in reading divine matters.

But if the Apostles (as saith S. Jerome) [Epist. 4 ad Rust. Mon.] who might have lived by the Gospel, labored with their own hands, lest they should be burdensome to others, why are you not doing somewhat that may be necessary for yourself?