For over a century, Americans have celebrated Labor Day on the first Monday in September. This national holiday was established in the 1880s for two reasons: to mark the irreplaceable role of the American worker in making this country prosperous and strong; and to have time to attend speeches and events on the spiritual and educational aspects of work, the worker and the good that comes from work.
Likely, not many of our contemporaries will be focusing on the spiritual meaning of work today, they simply see today’s civic holiday as a celebration of not having to 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—teaching that touches upon the Catholics involvement in society, and what makes a just society which reflects the values of heaven.
John Paul wrote that Human work is a fundamental dimension of man’s existence on earth. In the very first words of the book of Genesis, our Creator tells man to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.” Through work, we earn our daily bread, and are able to provide for ourselves and our loved ones.
Work is not merely a necessary evil. St. John Paul said, “Work is a good thing for man-a good thing for his humanity-because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfilment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes "more a human being".” So, not only does work transform the world out there…it transforms the soul in here.
The saintly Pope recognizes though that that without God man loses his way, work becomes disordered. Without God we begin to misuse the things of earth, abuse his fellow man. This evil causes us to be less human, sin dehumanizes us. But when our priorities are straight, when we are in right relationship with God, our work glorifies God, and we regain and develop our authentic selves—we become more human.
Becoming more human requires work. Being human, being good to each other, being virtuous, building a just society, fulfilling our religious obligations to God requires work.
Eight years ago on Labor Day weekend I had the great honor of celebrating the Wedding of my little sister. The day before the wedding, a parishioner came into the office and said, “Father, you look happy,” she said. “Well, I should be,” I said, “tomorrow I get to celebrate the wedding of my beautiful and dear sister Ashley.”
“That’s wonderful, Father,“ she said. “My husband and I got married 46 years ago on Labor Day weekend, too! And that’s what it’s been, Father. 46 years of Hard Labor! But Father, I love him more today, than on the day I married him”
I told that little story at my sister’s wedding, and tried to emphasize that important lesson: that holy, healthy, happy marriage takes work—it’s a real effort—a labor of love. And so is society. And so is the Church. And so is our eternal soul. A labor of love that requires work, effort.
Perhaps, we do well today to recognize some areas in our life where we have grown slothful, where have I failed to labor for the good of my soul, the good of my fellow man, my family.
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 setting good Christian example 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. +++
That all Christians will work together in harmony for the building up of the Church and the spread of the Gospel
That our young people, especially those at risk of disengaging from society, may come to discover the fulfillment found in work and self-sacrifice.
For the unemployed and underemployed, and that all who work may receive a just reward for their labors.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, those who have supported us by their work, those who fought and died for our freedom, for all of the souls in purgatory and for X, for whom this mass is offered.
Gracious Father, you created us in your divine image, hear our prayers, and grant us the help we need to work always for your Holy Will, through Christ Our Lord.
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