Why Labor Day Matters More Than Ever

And why your work does, too

Sep 07, 2020

Most of us have never seen a Labor Day like this.

With staggering millions of people unemployed worldwide. With essential workers front and center in our national political debates. With workplaces facing threats to public health. With workers at home struggling with threats to mental health.

With work turned upside down for nearly all of us.

How do we pray and act on a Labor Day like today?

We could start with the least among us.

The least likely to have safe, consistent work with fair wages. The least likely to be valued for the work they do (behind closed doors, for example). We could pray, act, and advocate for change on their behalf.

That’s part of our holy labor for the common good.

Because I love to pray both sides, I’d say we could also pray for those with the most.

The most need for steady, sufficient income. The most need for rest when they are overworked. The most need for opportunities to advance in their field. The most experience to share with new workers. The most time to explore new callings in retirement.

Let’s remember both this week. Most and least. Work and rest. Want and abundance. Uncommon times and the common good.

Let’s keep the dignity of work and the rights of workers before our eyes wherever we work, pray, serve, or love.

These are extraordinary days, as every ad on the radio reminds us.

But ordinary labors still matter.

I want to lift up yours—and those of a few friends, too.

For your family

My husband came across this powerful and poignant essay in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It’s written by a mother mourning the changes she sees in her son as he grows into his awareness of what it means to be a Black man in our culture:

“If only I can get him through this moment…what a beautiful, caring human being he will be. He was made to make this world a better place. He just needs to survive us.”

This article gives a fascinating look at families, religious communities, and faith practices in the pandemic: How Families Are Finding God, Grace and Faith Outside a House of Worship.

Here are great ideas for prayer hacks for busy parents. (Psst I just finished working with the author on a brand-new project that I can’t wait to share with you soon!)

For your work

Fitting for Labor Day, check out this new book on prayer and work to pre-order from two wise colleagues: Work and Worship: Reconnecting Our Labor and Liturgy.

Part of my ecumenical work at the Collegeville Institute that I loved was the chance to connect with theologians like Matthew and Cory—who are doing such interesting work in different corners than my own. We’ve presented at the Calvin Symposium on Worship together, so I was delighted to endorse their long-awaited book on why worship and work need to change each other.

Also let’s keep praying for the work of teachers.

And for all who are adapting their work for the world’s needs, just like Jesus.

For your community

I shouldn’t be surprised. But this column on how the Catholic Church never taught me to fight racism garnered more responses—angry or affirming—than any other column I’ve written for Catholic News Service. Many insults to my inbox BUT also my first official Letter to the Editor in real newsprint!

For a different—but equally emphatic—take on how “faith at home” is not just personal but prophetic, check out my latest column on the growing edge of liturgical living. Are you doing faith formation differently with the kids in your life this year?

For your home

Remember when I shared art from The Modern Saints last time? Gracie was generous enough to give a discount for you!

Use “holylabor820” on her website for 15% off her gorgeous 5x7 prints.

On Instagram Stories this week, I shared a sneak peek of the Montessori homeschool environment we’ve created. Three of our kids will be doing hybrid learning this fall (2 in a public Montessori school and 1 in middle school, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE).

I knew we needed to give the younger ones more hands-on work—as well as the preschooler who won’t be going to school this year. So for three days each week we’ll be homeschooling together.

Lord, have mercy on all of us heading into brave new worlds this fall.

Share The Holy Labor

Till next time, here’s a blessing for all who work with their hands. (Like you.)

Peace,

Laura