Pastor's Note

THE GIFT OF LABOR
September 3rd, 2006

One thing about being a priest is job security. That is not why I became a priest, but it has become evident to me over the years when I talk with people of all professions who are between jobs or suddenly without a job.
As a child I used to think that working was one of those necessary but unpleasant aspects of adult life. As an adult, I have learned that being able to work, especially in the field of one’s choice, is indeed a blessing. Work allows people to contribute to the well-being of the world as it also enables them to support their families and their own lives.  People can use their skills and talents through their work and provide a creative channel to make a contribution to society. And work gives satisfaction and joy to those involved in undertaking a project.
Not everyone can work; for some the inability to work or lack of opportunity is a tremendous burden. Others, who can work, are sometimes unemployed and struggling as they look for work. Still others are under-employed, working hard but with an income too low to pay even basic bills. Often these people also do not receive important health benefits.
For many Labor Day is simply the official end of summer. Yet it is a time to prayerfully thank God for the work we are capable of doing, to give gratitude for those whose daily work puts food on our table, and to pray for those who would like to work but are unable to do so.
Not everyone has job security, but everyone needs to be an active contributor to the on-going work of protecting, developing, and preserving the world that God gave us. That happens through meaningful work.