Between the rewards of work and the joy to be found on the other side of sorrow, September is a time to appreciate the fruits of our labors and the consolations of heaven that allow us to rest easy. As Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, “The sleep of a laborer is sweet.” Here are a few ways to celebrate this month’s feast days that remind us of these truths:
With Labor Day coming Sept. 4, now is a good time to consider what the Church has to say about the dignity of work. The Catechism tells us that “work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from Him” and that man “shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work he is called to accomplish” (CCC 2427). Catholic figures such as St. Joseph and Servant of God Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, also exemplify the dignity of work. Share the stories of these holy people with the children in your life and teach them to entrust the work of growing up to Our Lord through praying the morning offering.