Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

Labor Day offers us the time to reflect on the one of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching. The dignity of work and the rights of workers has been a key element of the teachings of the Catholic Church from antiquity to the present. Matthew 20:1-16 speaks to us of ensuring that workers receive a just and living wage. In James 1:5-6, we learn that becoming rich by exploiting workers is sinful. Tobit 4:1-4 warns not to rob the poor of their livelihood. Deuteronomy 24:14-15 guides us not to withhold workers’ wages and to be certain to provide for their basic sustenance.

I have mentioned before that the Felician Sisters promote the right of workers having a living wage. They have emphasized that the minimum wage has not changed for two decades, which is not just. It does not uphold the dignity of work. Our country has been built by labor and the protections of those workers, long fought for, must be upheld.

Labor Day is a wonderful day to honor those who have contributed in both small and large ways to the health, safety, and economic prosperity of the nation. In this time, workers should all be justly compensated, serve in safe workplaces, and be recognized for their inputs to our lives.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops offers the following prayer:

“God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play, but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Blessed Angela: “Willingly perform the humblest of chores.”