Labor Day Messages

Trussing Hay (1850), Jean-François Millet

There are few things in our lives as Catholics that are not colored by our faith in Christ. Indeed, one could argue that the whole idea of faith, as a theological virtue, is that it helps us see everything in a different way than the person without faith.

One example of this that we sometimes overlook is the value of human work. On this Labor Day, when much of our country is just glad to get some time off, the Church also encourages us to reflect upon what significance and meaning our work has. Yes, work can at times be burdensome or boring, but the very act of work itself reflects our dignity as creatures of God. Those who are out of work, or who could use more work, know how vital work is for our self-fulfillment as individuals. By giving us the ability to work, God enables us to continue the perfection of his work, creation. Through our labors, we can work for peace and justice and strive to build the kingdom of God for the world as a whole and for every individual. This is especially true when we consider our work as broader than simply a job or means of employment but as all of the things we spend our time doing.

As disciples of Christ, our work can also have a salvific quality. By accepting our labors as a participation in the labors (and, at times, sufferings) of Christ, and living them out in prophetic witness to the Good News we have received, work can be a way to greater holiness. Work becomes not just what we do, but part of who we are, part of the mission God has given to each of us. St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei and 20th century saint, wrote often about this idea. For your reflection on this Labor Day, here are some passages from his book Furrow which might be helpful for you. Happy Labor Day, everyone!

For those who think their work is too humble and not prestigious enough:  

"Before God, no occupation is in itself great or small. Everything gains the value of the Love with which it is done" (Furrow, 487).

For those working in the home: 

"You are writing to me in the kitchen, by the stove. . . . By your side, your younger sister--the last one to discover the divine folly of living her Christian vocation to the full--is peeling potatoes. To all appearances--you think--her work is the same as before. And yet, what a difference there is! It is true: before she only peeled potatoes, now, she is sanctifying herself peeling potatoes" (498; original italics). 

For those who need a push:  

"Obstacles? Sometimes they may be present, but at times you just invent them out of cowardice or love of comfort. How cleverly the devil makes those excuses for not working look plausible! He knows full well that sloth is the mother of all vices" (505). 

"You are put off by difficulties, and you shrink back. Do you know what characterizes your behavior? Nothing but comfort, comfort, and more comfort. You had said that you were ready to wear yourself out, unstintingly, yet you still seem to be at the level of an apprentice to heroism. It is time to act with more maturity" (521). 

For those of us taking time off this weekend:  

"Rest means recuperation: to gain strength, form ideals, and make plans. In other words it means a change of occupation, so that you can come back later with a new impetus to your daily job" (514, in part). 

For students: 

"It is easier to bustle about than to study, but it is also less effective" (524). 

"If you know that study is apostolate, but limit yourself to studying just enough to get by, it is clear that your interior life is going badly" (525). 

"One has to study--to gain the world and conquer it for God. Then we can raise the level of our efforts: we can try to turn the work we do into an encounter with the Lord and the foundation to support those who will follow our way in the future. In this way, study will become prayer" (526, in part).