As I was looking at the readings of this past week, it dawned on me that Jesus’ day was so busy. After preaching and teaching in the synagogue all day, you would think He could find time to rest. But, oh no! When He arrived at the house of Peter, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. It was only after that, at sunset, as the gospel says, that He was able to rest.

The gospel stories last week gave me a glimpse of yet another of God’s traits. God works day and night, no complaints, for the sake of humanity. He is a God who never stops creating and re-creating. His work is always about giving hope and life.

On this Labor Day weekend, we are invited to pause and reflect on work – our own work and that of others. We, too, are like Jesus with days filled with so much to do– so many different kinds of work. Let us salute all the workers that touch our lives and beyond and never take for granted what they provide.

More importantly, I think, when we look at what we do, whatever that might be, we recognize that we are participating in God’s redemptive work. St. Paul tells us that we are God’s co-workers. Yes, that’s the truth, in everything we do, whether it is in caring for people, ensuring justice, keeping others safe, teaching, cooking, cleaning, entertaining, leading, building, or working in technology – all of these and many others, are ways God reaches out to every single one of us.

Labor Day is our holiday, a day to thank God for the gift of the work that we do. However we celebrate this holiday: a barbeque, family gathering, or time away, let us not forget what this day is about – it pays tribute to OUR work, and the contributions and achievements of this great and wonderful nation. Most importantly this holiday reminds us in all that we do, OUR work helps in building up the Kingdom of God.

On behalf of Fr. John, Mrs. Sally Douthit, and the rest of the parish and school staffs, I wish all of you a Blessed and Happy Labor Day!