Get Outta Here

Come on...how can it be Labor Day weekend already? Didn't we just finish Memorial Day? Don’t get me wrong, as much as I have had it with the 90+ heat and humidity and am looking forward to the autumn weather…I really don't want it yet. I know the seminarians and Priests I am living with don’t mind having the weekend off. How did this first weekend of September turn out to be Labor Day, of taking time off and having one more picnic that I have already had one too many? Perhaps we need a reminder of just how much this weekend has nothing to do with going outdoors and grilling. Because of who we are as Roman Catholics, it should mean something more.

There was a time when our Catholic voices were actually "one" enough to choose to make a political difference in how we live and work. Did you realize it was our Catholic Church’s social teachings that furthered the cause to protect workers? Even though this is the 130th year of our country celebrating Labor Day because laborers were seeing their quality of life decline as they transitioned from artisan to factory jobs, the country knew a simple holiday wasn’t going to be enough. On May 15, 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical Rerum Novarum on the condition of the working classes and labor. In doing so, he initiated a century in which Catholic teaching became more and more involved in the social issues of the day. Our Catholic voice changed the world view on how to look at the dignity of human work.

It is the Catholic Church that championed such notions as a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and continues to uphold the dignity of the human person against attacks from governments and corporations. Nearly every Pope since Leo XIII has issued teachings on the subject. Take some time this Labor Day to familiarize yourself with some aspect of the Church’s social teachings. In doing so, you will be taking responsibility as a member of the Body of Christ to commit yourself to the care of your neighbor and the dignity of human labor. On behalf of those who may think Labor Day is about something more personal, pray for all women and men who are pregnant and are awaiting to labor their child into their arms. Pray for a dear couple I prayed for this week whose long awaited pregnancy came, but who’s precious child had to be delivered at only 17 weeks along. The loss of such a gift of love is never forgotten.

Also, remember that this week our St. Thomas More Parish School (which has seen a wonderful 10% increase in census since last year) will be coming back to learn and grow through the context of our Catholic Christian identity. Thank you for all who have offered their resources and prayers to make our school not just survive but to grow. Pray especially for the parents, teachers and staff who make so many sacrifices. Saint Joseph, patron of workers, pray for us.

Pax,
Fr. Bline