Homily: Labor Day 2016 - "Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it"

The U.S. civil holiday of Labor Day gives us the opportunity to consider the Catholic Vision of human work.

In 1981, Pope John Paul II issued an encyclical titled “Laborem Exercens”—On Human Labor.  “Laborem Exercens” is just one encyclical in the long line of Catholic Social Teaching by our Popes in modern times. Pope Francis referred to “Laborem Exercens” in his own most recent encyclical “Laudato Si” (LS 124).

Both Saint Pope John Paul and Pope Francis call us to consider God’s plan for humankind revealed all the way back in the book of Genesis. In fact, the very first words of God to mankind are a command to work: “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.” 

Notice how human labor precedes original sin. We don’t engage in work because we’ve sinned, as a sort of punishment. Laboring, cultivating the land, gathering the fruits of nature, working is part of our original dignity. Working with God to bring the best out of creation is part of God’s original plan—we are Co-laborers with God—who himself is the original worker, the shaper of the universe, the bringer of life, a Gardner. Good holy work therefore honors God. Work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from him (CCC 2427).

Because of sin, however, work can sometimes appear like a cross—involving suffering, sweat, and pain. But we know, because of Christ, crosses are transformed into instruments of redemption. Through Christ’s labor of love we are redeemed. And so even sweaty, painful work, perhaps even imposed upon us unjustly, can be transformed in Christ, for a sanctifying and redemptive end. Painful crosses united to Christ can bring about great grace for ourselves and others.

We also recall today that we work not just to benefit ourselves but also to contribute to the good of everyone. The purpose of work isn’t just to collect enough paychecks so we can retreat to an island paradise in a life of opulent luxury, so we can separate from our neighbor. All of our gifts, talents, abilities, and earthly treasures are to be at the service of God and our fellow man.

May this Labor Day be a time of rest for workers, but also a time of reflection, that workers can ensure that their priorities are in check, that they are serving God rather than themselves, that they are a positive example of Christian virtue to their fellow workers in their speech and in their deeds.  May all of our workers be strengthened in Spirit this day, for the Glory of God and Salvation of souls. +++

For blessings on Christ’s Church: for all bishops, for guidance in faith and morality, for sanctification. We pray to the Lord.

That those in civil authority will dedicate themselves to justice, peace, and the generous defense of the poor, the elderly, and the unborn. We pray to the Lord.

For all those who labor and for those seeking employment, and that Christian workers may be signs of hope and give courageous testimony to the Gospel of Christ. We pray to the Lord.