Labor Day

Readings for Monday September 7, 2009

First Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 62
Gospel: Luke 6:6-11


But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. (Col. 1:26-29)

Happy Labor Day to each of you! I pray that you are able to relax and take it easy from your daily jobs and earthly duties that God calls each of us to. Labor Day is about more than backyard cookouts, days off of work and school, and the last day for the outdoor pools to be open. Labor Day originated in the US as a day to honor and celebrate the spirit of the labor and trade organizations as well as the workers and their families. This day is a good day for all of us to be thankful for our jobs and for the work that God calls each of us to.

While this is certainly a day of rest from our physical, earthly jobs; we should never take a break from our spiritual duties. Saint Paul writes about the reason's for which he labors and struggles, it is not for himself, but rather for others. Saint Paul says the reason for which he labors is to proclaim Christ to all, to teach them His ways and His word, so that one day with God's grace everyone may be presented perfect in Christ. Saint Paul labored and struggled in order to build up the people of God, to grow, nurture and help those who were in need of God's love. Saint Paul labored to bring Christ to everyone he could, we too would do well to follow his example.

While we may rest today, let us never rest from spreading the good news and from bringing Christ to all those that we are called to.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for our jobs and for the work that you are calling us to now. Lord help guide us and strengthen us in this world, so that we may be your perfect servants at all times. Lord, alll good things come from you, and we pray that you will help make us good lights in this world and that we may help share your good news with all those that we can. We pray for all those who are unemployed and for all those searching for jobs. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.