Labor Day

Sometimes labeled "the unoffical end of summer," Labor Day gives us a chance to reflect on the nature and dignity of work.  Yes, one of the consequences of the Fall was that humanity was "condemned" to labor for survival. Gone was the Garden when all was readily at hand, a longed-for Utopia that will come in the next life.  But there is a dignity in working that is not contemptible, but, in imitation of the Creator, who labored for six days to create this ever-expanding universe, gives us an opportunity to share in that creative activity.  Jesus, Joseph, the fishermen Apostles, the tent-maker Paul, all worked for a living.  Good company. 

Today we stop to give thanks for the gift of work, for the ability to use our talents for personal growth, the growth of our families, communities, nation and world.  There is much talk these days about unemployment and the world economic crisis; perhaps greed has interfered and spoiled the true nature of work.  Something has gone awry, for sure.  The advice of the old Tobit to his son, Tobiah (Tobias), is as good for us as it was for him:  "Perform good works all the days of your life, and do not tread the paths of wrongdoing.  For if you are steadfast in your service, your good works will bring success, not only to you, but also to all those who live uprightly." (Tobit 4:5-6).  And St. Paul tells us "Whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17).  Taking these attitudes to the workplace will help us find joy and meaning in the labor of our hands and minds.

Labor Day Prayer
Lord on this Labor Day,
we celebrate what we do,
and we thank You for the blessing of our jobs.
We ask for those seeking employment that
You guide them in their searchfor work.

We ask for guidance when we are confused.
We ask for patience when working through conflicts.
We ask for strength to complete each day.
We ask for rest when we are weary.

We ask that You be with those whose faces
we might never see but who work tirelessly
each day for the good of us all.  Amen.--From the Marist Brothers' Friday Notes.
Bro. Rene