Dignity For All - A Labor Day Reflection for Catholics
Labor Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers, invites us to reflect on the inherent dignity of human labor and its connection to our faith as Catholics. As we gather to commemorate this occasion, we are reminded of the value and sanctity of work, in light of our beliefs and teachings.
In the beginning, God created the world and entrusted it to us as stewards. This act of creation highlights the divine intention for humans to participate in the ongoing work of cultivating and caring for the Earth. As we engage in our daily tasks, we are co-creators with God, using our skills and talents to bring forth goodness and order from the raw materials of creation.
Our faith teaches us that all labor has dignity, regardless of its nature or economic value. Just as Christ, the Son of God, came to serve and not to be served, we find purpose and meaning in our work when it is undertaken with a spirit of service to others. Whether we are educators shaping young minds, healthcare professionals attending to the sick, farmers tending the land, men and women working in manufacturing, or artists evoking beauty, our efforts can be a reflection of God's love when directed towards the well-being of our fellow human beings.
However, the modern world often witnesses the exploitation of labor, where workers are treated as mere instruments of production or are subject to unjust working conditions. As Catholics, we are called to advocate for the rights and dignity of workers, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and fairly compensated. In the words of Pope Francis, "Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use an image, 'anoints' us with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God, who has worked and still works, who always acts."
Catholic teaching tells us that not only are workers due a “just wage” with which they can provide for their families’ needs; they also deserve opportunities for rest and dignity-affirming benefits such as quality health care and paid time off. In addition, work should be something that enhances one’s human dignity. The experience of many workers in low wage jobs tells us that we must give serious consideration to how we can address areas of inequality in our economic systems. We are called to prioritize the well-being of the human person over the capital they produce (St. John Paul II in Laborem Exercens). In our country today, corporate consolidation of wealth and power in monopoly organizations has led to lower wages for workers. Lower wages mean many workers cannot sufficiently provide for their families or fully participate in the economy and society (see St. John Paul II in Centessiums Annus).
How can we empower workers whose dignity and rights are not fully recognized? One way to do this is by supporting those organizations and businesses that promote employee ownership. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development funds several cooperatives and other employee-owned projects that help low-wage workers to achieve fair wages, stable employment, job training opportunities, and better benefits.
Labor Day also presents an opportunity to reflect on the balance between work and rest. Just as God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, we are reminded of the importance of rest as a means of rejuvenation and reconnection with God. In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to remember that our worth is not solely defined by our productivity. Taking time to rest and spend quality moments with our loved ones aligns with our call to honor the sanctity of both work and life.
So, what can we do, here at Assumption Church, to foster a culture and economy based in love and justice?
In the workplace, if we are business owners, managers, or supervisors, we can help ensure that our businesses and organizations are offering family wages and the dignity-affirming benefits that our long Catholic tradition affirms should be available for all workers and their families.
As we listen to the needs of those in our community, we are challenged to support those organizations that are empowering their employees to be owners and decision-makers. Find a local CCHD funded group that supports employee ownership in your community and get involved in creating a more just economic system.
We can also join local efforts to support a just wage/family wage, which is a wage at which workers and their families can have access to what they need to fulfill basic needs and thrive.
We can use our purchasing power to help protect human dignity. We can be educated consumers, support local businesses and ethically-produced products, and let companies know when we are unhappy with their labor practices.
Learn about efforts in our local community to assist workers and their families, or to support their needs through advocacy or other efforts and get involved.
Labor Day invites us as Catholics to view work through a spiritual lens, recognizing it as a means of participating in God's ongoing creative act and as an avenue for service to others. We are challenged to uphold the dignity of labor, advocating for just working conditions and fair treatment for all workers. Let us also remember that our value as individuals extends beyond our work, and that rest and time spent with loved ones are essential for a balanced life. As we celebrate this day, may we renew our commitment to sanctifying our daily tasks and fostering a world where the dignity of every worker is upheld.
