Labor Day offers a special opportunity to reflect on how we can build a more just and fair economy. We are called to nothing less than promoting the welfare of working families through both charitable works and through advocacy for improved policies. Our aim, as Catholic people, is to promote family stability, especially for those who are financially vulnerable.
This Labor Day holiday reminds us how important it is to create and sustain a society and an economy that support marriages, families, and the dignity of every person. Although it seems a daunting task these days, a central challenge for us is to reach across political aisles and work diligently to reframe social policies. Who, however, would stand in the way of pro-family and pro-worker policies? Such policies are authentically pro-Life and demand our support.
Catholic Social Teaching tells us that not only are workers due a “just wage,” with which they can provide for their families’ needs – they also deserve opportunities for rest and dignity-affirming benefits such as high quality health care and paid time off. In addition, work should be something that enhances one’s human dignity (see Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, nos. 284, 287, 301, 302).
Let us pray. “Lord God, Master of the Vineyard, how wonderful that you have invited us to be workers in your vineyard and assist your work to shape the world around us. As we seek to respond to this call, make us attentive to those who seek work, but cannot find it. Help us listen to the struggles of those who work hard to provide for their families, but still have trouble making ends meet. Open our eyes to the struggles of those exploited and help us speak up for just wages and safe conditions for everyone. Give us listening hearts that we may pause on occasion from our work to receive your gift of rest. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that you might work through us to let your justice reign for ever and ever. Amen.”
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Oremos. “Nos dirigimos a ti, Oh bendito San José, nuestro protector en la tierra, como quien conoce el valor del trabajo y la respuesta a nuestro llamado. A través de tu Santa Esposa, la Inmaculada Virgen Madre de Dios, y sabiendo el amor paternal que tuviste a nuestro Señor Jesús, te pedimos nos asistas en nuestras necesidades y fortalezcas en nuestros trabajos. Por la promesa de realizar dignamente nuestras tareas diarias, líbranos de caer en el pecado, de la avaricia, de un corazón corrupto. Se tú el solícito guardián de nuestro trabajo, nuestro defensor y fortaleza contra la injusticia y el error. Seguimos tu ejemplo y buscamos tu auxilio. Socórrenos en todos nuestros esfuerzos, para así poder obtener contigo el descanso eterno en el Cielo. Amén.”
