St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of SJW:

This Monday, September 1^st, is Labor Day.  Our country celebrates all those who labor in America in any way, whether they are a teenager or over 65.  We congratulate all those who get up each morning and go off to work to do the job that keeps this country up and running in any way.

Our country is the great one that it is because of so many men and women giving of themselves in their careers and vocations.  Whether it be a worker on the highway laying a new road; a doctor in a hospital doing surgery; a teenager checking us out at Wal-Mart;  a priest visiting someone in a hospital; a teacher in high school or grade school; the garbage attendant emptying your trash can; or a congressman going to work in DC—all are giving of themselves, laboring for the good of America.

Let us pray for all those who work.  Let us pray for all those searching for work.  Let us pray for all those retired from a job.  Let us pray for all employers.  Let us support those who work for the rights of workers. 

NOW—let us apply this to our faith as Catholics.  What type of “work” do we do each day for Jesus Christ?  How committed are we to showing up daily to do God’ work, the work He has specially chosen for us?  Do we see ourselves as working for the Lord, with Him as our boss?  Do we know that our “payment” is the satisfaction that we are pleasing the God of our salvation? 

If Jesus hired us to find good workers for Him, would we choose ourselves?

On this Labor Day, may we pray for all workers to give their best while at work.  May they be courteous, full of smiles, helpful, and dedicated.

May we as Catholics be courteous as we share Jesus Christ.

May we as Catholics be happy in living our faith.

May we as Catholics help others to see the richness and beauty of Catholicism.

May we as Catholics dedicate our hearts and souls to being the best disciples of Christ possible.

Your Fellow Laborer in God’s Vineyard, Father Joe