As a nation, this Monday we celebrate Labor Day, and we honor all those who labor for a living.  We thank them for their support of their families, and for their service to all those who benefit from their efforts.  Laborers deserve our respect and appreciation and we are invited to pray for them in a special way on this day.  As previously mentioned, we are also encouraged to pray for those who are now retired after many years of labor, and for the unemployed and underemployed.

Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus and Saint Joseph were workers, and he spoke about the dignity of work.  As reported in the publication “America” magazine, Our Holy Father stated, “We do not get dignity from power or money or culture.  We get dignity from work.”  He noted, “Work is fundamental to the dignity of the person. Work, to use an image, ‘anoints’ with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God who has worked and still works, who always acts.”  He also stressed that the dignity and safety of the worker should also be protected.

As we celebrate this day, we are invited to take time for rest and recreation.  And, as we reflect on these profound words of Our Holy Father, we are also encouraged to take time for prayer as we honor those who labor in the spirit of Jesus and Saint Joseph.  The following prayer provided by the organization “Bread for the World” reflects the spirit of this day.

THAT WE MAY LEAD LIVES OF HOLINESS IN SERVICE TO YOU AND OUR NEIGHBOR.
WE ASK ALL THESE THINGS FOR OUR GOOD AND YOUR GLORY. AMEN.