Lord, Give Success to the Work of Our Hands

As we approach Labor Day, I think that it is good to reflect upon and to re-orient ourselves toward the role of work in God's mysterious plan.

Human work proceeds directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation by subduing the earth, both with and for one another. Hence work is a duty: "If any one will not work, let him not eat (2 Thess 3:10, cf. 1 Thess 4:11)." Work honors the Creator's gifts and the talents received from him. It can also be redemptive. By enduring the hardship of work in union with Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth and the one crucified on Calvary, man collaborates in a certain fashion with the Son of God in his redemptive work. He shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work he is called to accomplish. Work can be a means of sanctification and a way of animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2427

Our faith calls us to value work, to desire to work, and to put in an honest day's work. At the same time our faith requires employers to provide a just wage and to allow full access to employment without unjust discrimination (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2426-2436).

There is so much talk about work these days, especially since so many people are unemployed and many, many more are underemployed. To make enough money to pay the bills or to have health insurance, many work long hours which impact the quality of their family lives. "Work is for man, not man for work," the Catechism reminds us (2428).

I think that Labor Day provides a chance for all of us to first thank God for the gift of work along with the many other gifts that he freely and generously gives us (life, faith, family, Church, creation, food, etc). It is also a time to pray for those who are in need of work.

Finally, I think it provides an opportunity to examine our own consciences about our view of human labor within the context of our faith:

• If I have a job, do I put in an honest day's work? Am I honest and truthful? Am I respectful of other's property or do I feel entitled to take things from work that aren't mine? Do I treat coworkers with respect? Am I charitable? Do I put work ahead of family? Do I rest from work on Sundays?
  
• If I do not have a job, have I done all that I can to search for a job? Have I tried to improve my skills or study a new field? Have I given up hope? Do I seek God's guidance and sustenance? Am I angry with God? Do I use the time that I now have doing something positive? Do I still seek to help others as best as I can?
  
• Whether or not we have a job, all of us can ask ourselves, Do I respect all people regardless of whether or not they have a job? Do I respect all people or do I judge people based on status or job? Do I have compassion for people who work in difficult conditions? Do I value companies that provide fair and just labor standards when I consider a purchase? Do I begrudge someone who gets government or other assistance when unemployed or underemployed? Have I reflected upon the Catholic position regarding immigration?

Labor Day gives us the opportunity to thank God for the gift of work and to pray for people who want to work but do not have employment or are unable to work. I know that this year I will pray for those who have dangerous jobs, especially the trapped Chilean minors (and for their families).

A number of years ago I was asked by our Office for Justice and Peace to compose a litany to be used on Labor Day. I try to review it each year around Labor Day to remind myself of the dignity God has bestowed upon work and worker alike. I wrote about it last year and it can be found by clicking here.

Below is a prayer (slightly adapted, for personal prayer) from the Sacramentary (Masses for Various Needs and Occasions: For the Blessing of Human Labor):

God our Father,
by the labor of men and women you govern and guide to perfection
the work of creation.
Hear the prayers of your people
and give all men and women work
that enhances their human dignity
and draws them closer to each other
in the service of their brothers and sisters.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.