A Labor Day Reflection

Unless the Lord builds a house, they labor in vain who build it. ~ Psalm 127, 1

With the observance of Labor Day, this verse seems an appropriate topic for reflection. Since the very beginning of time, people throughout the ages have been engaged in labor. We work to provide food, shelter and clothing for our families. Sometimes we work to help provide for those unable to support themselves, or we lend a hand to restore the efforts of those whose lives have been toppled by natural disaster or by the economic collapse. We work in imitation of God whose labor produced all of creation to please us and to serve our needs.

Regardless of the work we do, whether physical, mental or pastoral, there is a common thread that binds all workers together. That thread is the dignity that is inherent in all work, the dignity that comes from serving as co-creators, co-workers with the God of Life. Like the three servants in the Gospel parable who are placed in charge of their master’s estate, we too are charged as stewards of the earth. We are given the responsibility to work the land, to care for it, to increase its yield so that all people may live healthy and holy lives. Unless we labor together in partnership with God, all of our efforts count as nothing. Conversely, our simplest efforts, if offered as prayer and praise to God, are mightily blessed.

In our observance of Labor Day, we are reminded of the source and inspiration of our work, and of the dignity of all labor and laborers. We are reminded as well of the countless persons who are denied the opportunity to work or to earn a fair wage. In our prayers let us remember all the unemployed, all who seek honest labor, and all who labor in the shadows of unjust or oppressive conditions.

On this Labor Day, let us be mindful of the privilege we have been granted to serve as co-workers, and let us be grateful for the particular work entrusted to our care. Let us also be confident in our efforts knowing that it is God who inspires and directs our labor. And as we celebrate, let us pray in the words of the psalmist, that God, the author of all life and labor, might continue to prosper the work of our hands.
~Susan Bremer, OSU