Laboring with God

Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation.

The unofficial end of summer. The beginning of pumpkin-spice-everything season. Labor Day. 

Whether you plan to pay tribute to the contributions of workers by camping, shopping, or working, consider taking a few moments to reflect on how your work -- and dignity as a worker -- connects you to God's work. 

"We need to remember that men and women have 'the capacity to improve their lot, to further their moral growth and to develop their spiritual endowments.' Work should be the setting for this rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play: creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God." -- ​Laudato Si, 127

​Examination of Conscience for Workers

• Do I see my work as a gift from God? How is this reflected in my attitude at my work? 
• Do I see my work as a vocation? 
• Do I promote a culture of life through my work? 
• Do I live a divided life, where I separate the Gospel principles from my work? 
• Do I see the sacraments regularly and with attention to how they support and inform my work practices? 
• Am I sharing my spiritual life/understanding of work with others in my work life? 
• Am I taking seriously the dignity of the person in my work as an employee? Am I being just in my attentiveness to my personal performance? 

For more on the Church's teaching on the dignity of work,  click here. 
For the United States Bishops' annual Labor Day statement, click here.