Labor Day

“Ora et labora.”Pray and work.This is the simple yet powerful motto of the Benedictines.On this Labor Day, let’s remember the dignity of work, even if it consists of changing dirty diapers and sitting in a carpool line! During this time of economic uncertainty, we can give thanks if our family members have employment.And if jobs have been lost, let’s make sure we pray for those who need work.

I know this is a day for picnics and family fun.Why not take a quiet moment either at grace before the meal or before bed to pray for those who have lost their jobs

To Pray: 
For those in need of work
Gracious and loving God, you know our need for meaningful work. Send your Holy Spirit to guide those who are searching for employment. Help them to recognize the gifts and talents you have given them. Deepen their desire to follow your will. Inspire them as they contact potential employers. Give them patience as they wait for responses. Shelter them from feelings of rejection. Protect them from discouragement. Give them courage to overcome fear. Shower on them the graces they need to persevere. Let this time of searching become an opportunity to grow in faith, to cultivate the virtue of hope, and to experience your healing love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

For A Blessing on All Work
Bless, 0 Lord of the centuries and the millennia, the daily work by which men and women provide bread for themselves and their loved ones. We also offer to your fatherly hands the toil and sacrifices associated with work, in union with your Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed human work from the yoke of sin and restored it to its original dignity.

- Pope John Paul II