As a nation, this Monday we celebrate Labor Day. It is traditionally celebrated on the first Monday in September. On this day, we honor all those who labor for a living. We thank these workers for their service to their families and for their service to all those who benefit from their efforts. We are also called to remember and pray for all those who are now retired after many years of labor, and for the unemployed and underemployed.
Our Holy Father, Pope Leo, has a special concern for laborers. He worked among laborers for many years during his missionary work in Peru, understanding their concerns, understanding their challenges. He and his fellow Augustinian priests labored for the Lord as shepherds to the many people entrusted to their care, always encouraging them to focus on Christ.
Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, also had a deep appreciation for the dignity of labor and for all those who work. He reminded the faithful that labor is clearly important to the human experience and that work is fundamental to the dignity of the human person. As reported in the Catholic publication “CRUX”, he indicated that work is not just an occupation, but a mission. He stated, “We collaborate with the creative work of God when, through our work, we cultivate and preserve creation; we participate, in the spirit of Jesus, in his redemptive mission, when by our activity we give sustenance to our families and respond to the needs of our neighbor.” He noted that Jesus and Saint Joseph worked as carpenters and that they understood the importance and value of work.
The following “A Prayer for Gratitude for the Fruits of Labor” provided by the media outlet “Prayerlit” expresses an appreciation for the dignity of labor:
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the ability to work and the blessings that come from my labor.
On this Labor Day,
I reflect on the fruits of my efforts and express my gratitude for the provision and success You’ve granted.
Help me to use the results of my work wisely and to honor You in all I do. Amen
As we reflect on this prayer and celebrate Labor Day, we are encouraged to make it more than a day of rest and recreation. Hopefully, we will also treat it as a day of prayer as we honor all those who truly labor in the spirit of Jesus and St. Joseph.