Labor Day Thoughts

Paul’s Letter to the Colossians (Col. 1:24-2:3) in today’s readings for Mass is appropriate for our Labor Day celebration. In the beginning of his letter Paul strikes a bold thought. He thinks of his sufferings occurred in ministry as “completing” the sufferings of Christ. Jesus died to save humanity and to gather a Church. Yet the Church ought to flourish and grow; She must be kept strong and free from error. Thus, anyone who labors in and for God’s people and ensuring their well-being and protecting them for harm, is doing the work of Christ. And if such labor entails suffering and sacrifice, that affliction is a participation in the suffering of Christ. To labor and suffer in service of Christ is neither a punishment nor a chore but a glorious opportunity and privilege for sharing in his work to renew creation and humanity.