September 4, 2006
Labor Day is an opportune time for a self-examination of our attitude towards work. Generally, Americans tend to be hard workers. When I was living at our friary in England, it seemed to me that everyone was always on a tea break, and I wondered how anything got done! For example, I compared how our Lay Associates in the Bronx would come asking immediately to be put to work, while many of our Associates in East London would show up later for the spiritual input and fellowship. We changed the schedule, therefore, to sandwich the work projects in between the Mass and the fellowship time! (They are a great help to us there really, but I can still “take the mickey out of them,” as they say.)
On the other hand, we Americans tend to be consumed by our work. Men especially will identify themselves with their work, but women are also catching this mild neurosis. What are some indicators of a spiritually unhealthy attitude towards work? (I’ll leave the physical and emotional stress indicators to others.)
One indicator is if I leave God out of my work, thereby making a god out of my work. Whether I’m dealing with wooden boards, keyboards, circuit boards, school boards, or city boards, the reality is that our labors are a participation in the Creator’s creativity. “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labor.” The Sabbath mentality is not only about a day off each week, but that the whole week is pervaded with the sense that we are on God’s time.
Another indicator of an unholy work ethic is if I tend to view people as resources or means of production. Every worker has the dignity of a human person, made in the image and likeness of The Creator. Isn’t it a shame that so many people are competing with the machines that were supposed to help them? Even machines have limitations in order not to overheat or “crash.” Healthy people need not only rest, but recreation and creativity.
Some complain that young people today don’t know how to work hard. No doubt it is true of some. But the young need examples of a holy and right balance. They will take the opposite extreme of hard work if the fruit they see is frighteningly inhuman.
So, have a blessed day off from your labors. You could even work hard at enjoying it!
Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR
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