August 30 and August 31

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Deacon Dick~

Labor Day 2025

          There is no better time than Labor Day for Catholic Christians to reflect on the notion of “labor” as articulated in Catholic Social Teaching:

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

          Our Catholic faith tradition has always taken a broader view of work as more than a way to make a living.  It’s a way to realize our human dignity AND to discover our gifts and talents in our ongoing effort to further God’s creation.  There is dignity in work and the Church’s Social Teaching affirms that all people have a right to productive work at a just wage in safe working conditions.  The Church also teaches that the economy exists to serve all the people, not the other way around.

Within the context of the Church’s Social Gospel, may we ask ourselves:

▪ How do my attitudes, words, and actions actively affirm Jesus’ teaching that all persons share a fundamental human dignity?

▪ How faithfully do I draw upon the truth of the Gospel message of peace, mercy, forgiveness, as I address issues of injustice, racism, and superiority? 

▪ To what extent do I oppose oppression and unethical behavior toward those to whom a just wage is due?

 May this Labor Day enable us to live the Gospel in a new way!