Our observance of the secular holiday of Labor Day is a
good occasion to note the Church’s esteem for the reality of work. The Benedictines have a motto about their
life, “Ora et labora,” which means “Pray and work.” It suggests that in the pursuit of holiness,
there needs to be a balance between the time set aside for communing with God
and that given over to labor.
In this world, human beings express themselves through the
work of their hands, that is, through anything they do using the talents and
gifts that have been entrusted to them as persons. There is an inherent dignity to work that
comes from its association with human creativity and attention.
All too often, when we set our sights only on earthly achievements,
work can become a greater burden. When
working conditions and payment for labor are poor, human dignity is wounded and
work becomes nothing more than drudgery.
When, on the contrary, we give God His due, setting our sights on our Eternal
destiny first, and choosing our work and performing our work in accord with God’s
plan, something entirely different happens.
We also want to attend to the fact that there are many who
do not manage to find work that is in harmony with their dignity and not a few
who have great difficulty finding any meaningful work. Persons who have been let go from jobs that
they have had for many years due to downsizing or changes in technology are
often at a loss as to how to move forward.
Fear of being without work can lead to poor decisions concerning
lifestyle and to other troubles.
One suggestion that has been found helpful by many is to
see time “between jobs” as a time to regroup and to rethink one’s life and
livelihood. Going to daily Mass, taking
the opportunity for spiritual retreat and for personal reflection can be uplifting
and often serve to open new doors. God
always has something in mind for us to do.
Our value comes not from our function, but rather from our relationship with
the God Who loves us. When we let go of
control and put our trust in Him, great things happen.
Enjoy the rest and relaxation that Labor Day brings. And, give your heart to the Lord Who as some
special work for you to do to build up His Kingdom.
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