This weekend we celebrate Labor Day.  It has been a long standing tradition in our country for years.  We may not always consider the spiritual ramifications of Labor in our lives but it is a vital element of human dignity and worth.  The second Vatican Council wrote an encyclical on the matter and the recently published Catechism of the Catholic Church wrote extensively on the topic.     Lorette P. Nault

    “Work, the church says, is not only good in the sense that it is useful or something to enjoy; it is also good as being something worthy, i.e., something that corresponds to man’s dignity, that expresses this dignity and increases his humanity – because through work men/women not only transform nature, adapting it to his/her own needs, but they also achieve fulfillment as human beings and indeed in a sense become “more human”.
                            (Laborem Exercens, #9) 

    As we reflect on the dignity of work let us take some time to pray the following Litany to sanctify work.   It was taken from the September 2009 issue of the Magnificat. In a spirit of sacrifice, we consecrate our work day to the Lord and pray:   Response:   Lord, protect me. Lord, please grant it

From the temptation to be listless and lazy. R/      From the temptation to complain. R/    From the temptation to be critical of my boss. R/       From the temptation to cheat or be dishonest            with others. R/                     From the temptation to gossip.  R/           From the temptation to lateness.  R/        From the temptation to be judgmental of my       co-workers.  R/                   From the temptation to procrastinate.  R/           From the temptation to be jealous or envious of        others. R/                       From the temptation to indolence and lethargy.  R/   From the temptation to be hyper-critical.  R/       From the temptation to engage in idle conversation.  From the temptation to be quick to take offense.  R/ From the temptation to shift my work onto others.    From the temptation to impatience.  R/        From the temptation to cut corners or to be sloppy.  From the temptation to give in to weariness.  R/

For the grace to be a peacemaker. R/ For the grace to witness to you by word example. R/ For the grace to be energetic and committed For the grace to be compassionate /forgiving    For the grace to offer up all drudgery.  R/ For the grace to be attentive to those in need.      For the grace to be generous in sharing.  R/ For the grace to be prudent in dealing with others  R/ For the grace to be kind.  R/ For the grace to be understanding.  R/ For the grace to fulfill my responsibilities. R/ For the grace to be patient & persevering. R/ For the grace to put myself in other’s shoes. For the grace to dedicated.  R/ For the grace to be honest and forthright. R/ For the grace to be hard-working.  R/ For the grace to be free of stress.  R/ For the grace o insight to solve problems.  For the grace to be thankful for the chance to work. R/

   
Take some time this week to pray this litany, being especially thankful for your health and your work.  Pray for all who have no work and for our nation’s economy.