Labor Day

Labor Day has secular beginnings. It came about in recognition of the great contribution of workers to the economy of a country. Governments all over the world set aside this day to celebrate labor and honor workers. As such it acknowledges that there is dignity in work regardless of a worker’s contribution for no work can be taken for granted. A building cannot be erected and completed by planners or designers alone. It requires workers with various talents and abilities to put it all together. Thus, such collaborative endeavor signifies partnership and co-dependency between capitalists and workers.

Moreover, the dignity of work comes not from man but from God. He gives man an important task: a partner of creation. We do not abuse what God provides us to defeat the purpose for which we work. We work to put into good use our God given talents and resources to better our lives so that when our needs are provided we can glorify and worship God. So through the work of our hands we give glory to God.

As we celebrate Labor Day today we ask St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of workers, to pray for us.