Collect taken from the mass for the Sanctification of Human Labor.
Collect: O God, who through human labor never cease to perfect and govern the vast work of creation, listen to the supplications of your people and grant that all men and women may find work that befits their dignity, joins them more closely to one another and enables them to serve their neighbor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…
“O God, who through human labor never cease to perfect and govern the vast work of creation,”
– We here remember that God’s creation was not a one-time event, but an ongoing reality. Not only that, but, as is often the case with God, He continues this work in and through his creatures.
“listen to the supplications of your people and grant that all men and women may find work that befits their dignity, joins them more closely to one another and enables them to serve their neighbor.“
– Work is not a punishment, so we actually pray to God to ask for the chance to work. Labor can be demeaning, so we pray especially that we find the kind of work which brings a certain fulfillment to human beings and fits our dignity. Not only that, but we also ask for work to accomplish its other purposes of bringing unity and providing service to humanity.
Questions & Advice: Do you see work merely as an obstacle to your enjoyment? Do you take pride in the work that you do? Is your career or job something that you offer to God for his glory and for the good of mankind?
Read about labor and the rights of laborers in the Catechism (2427-2436). Give thanks to God for the work you’ve been able to do. Pray for those unable to find work. Seek God’s guidance in your work and use the words of the 90th psalm to do so.
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