For many years, the Soviet Union and other Communist countries held massive rallies and marches on the first day of May, which they called May Day, to celebrate the contribution of workers to the Communist State. “Celebrating the dignity of work”, sounds like a noble ideal. In fact, in our own country, we celebrate Labor Day on the 1st Monday of September, as a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
In 1955, Pope Pius XII instituted this feast of St. Joseph the Worker, as a sort of liturgical labor day. And, he did so, partially, to counter Communist error. Remember, that Communism is essentially atheistic. For the Communist, the highest good is not to serve God, but to serve the state. The Communist labors under the error that human effort can create a utopia on earth, and that God is neither necessary for human flourishing or for eternal life.
According to Communism, the individual is a mere cog in the wheel for the prosperity of the collective, rather than a unique being created in the Creator’s image.
So, when Pope Pius XII instituted today’s feast in 1955, he wished to remind the world that the good of the individual and the good of a society are inseparable from God—that our human labors are to serve God, point to God, and reflect God’s goodness. As Psalm 127 says, unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. In other words, when our work or any of our endeavors are merely self-serving, we are wasting our time.
But Pope Pius didn’t just call today Holy Labor Day. Rather, he gave us the example of a holy laborer to celebrate, contemplate, and imitate, St. Joseph.
In the daily work of his carpenter’s shop, Joseph labored mindful of God and his vocation and husband and father. He labored with patience, took joy in producing things of value, knowing that his sweat and effort would enable him to provide for his family through an honest living. Joseph’s sturdy, quiet, contemplative, providential, and faithful image is an example for the type of man we should strive to become.
Some 50 years after the institution of today’s Feast, Pope Benedict wrote, “Joseph reveals to us the secret of a humanity which dwells in the presence of mystery and is open to that mystery at every moment of everyday life (Pope Benedict XVI).”
In other words, Joseph shows us the attitude and orientation we should possess in all of our earthly endeavors. “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”. Be mindful of God and the reasons why you are doing what you are doing. Slow down and be diligent, focused, find joy in hard work, grateful to God for the time you’ve been given to produce something of value, that put food in people’s bellies and roofs over their heads.
- - - - -
That the Holy Catholic Church, entrusted to the protection of Saint Joseph, may continue to labor faithfully for the salvation of souls.
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.
That St. Joseph patron of the dying may help all those who will die today to know repentance of their sins and the grace of a peaceful death.
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.
- - - - - -
A reading from the epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians
Brethren: Over all these things put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one Body. And be thankful. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.
A continuation of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew
At that time, Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment