Yardwork: labor or renewal?
There are people who do not get a day off on Labor Day, despite that the holiday was created in order to honor the rights of over-worked, underpaid, and often abused workers. In the late 1800’s, bottom-rung workers of the industrial revolution began to organize themselves and celebrated the first Labor Day parade in New York City in 1882.
In Judeo-Christian terms, Labor Day honors the ancient practice of taking Sabbath. As the fourth mandate in the Decalogue of commands brought forth by Moses, resting one day a week is God’s way of reminding human beings about the dignity of work. Six days of the week are to be dedicated to creating and producing. The pause on the seventh day allows for renewal. Thus a balance is called for between the rhythms of working and renewing.
Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictine communities in the Christian tradition was highly dedicated to living a balanced life. Ora et labora is the Latin term meaning “prayer and work.” Benedict recognized the call to balance in prayer and work, as is evident in the way of life that he sets forth for the monks in his Rule. Benedictine communities articulate Benedict's vision through Benedictine Values.
For Catholics, the spirit of Labor Day is supported by Catholic Social Teaching. Often considered “the best-kept Catholic secret” Catholic Social Teaching sets forth a progressive vision of justice for humanity, unparalleled by other Christian communities. Catholic Social Teaching reminds followers that the “economy should serve the needs of workers, not the other way around.” (USCCB website).
For those who are afforded the privilege of a day of rest this Labor Day, perhaps a prayer of gratitude for the workers, believers, and leaders who have struggled for the rights of all people to enjoy a life of balance would be appropriate. For those who have to work, who do not have work to take a break from, or who do unpaid work, perhaps hope can be found in knowing that despite that struggles related to labor are still prominent, the cause and call have not been left to the wayside
For more info:
- Read Receiving the Day by Dorothy Bass
- Read Wisdom Distilled from the Daily by Joan Chittister
- View labor statistics from the International Labor Organization and the United Nations
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