Labor Day offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on how we can build a more just and fair economy. We can do this especially by 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 holiday reminds us how important it is to create and sustain a society and an economy that support marriages, families, and women. A central challenge for us is to reach across political aisles and work diligently to reframe social policies in ways that are pro-woman, pro-family, pro-worker and, thus, authentically pro-life.
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Catholic 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 for just wages and safe conditions for everyone. Give us listening hearts that we may pause 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.”
