Labor Day and the Dignity of Work
Yesterday was Labor Day in the US, a day taken to rest and reflect on the dignity of work and the human worker in our culture.
I love thinking about the dignity of work – the goodness of this invitation to partake in God’s creative action as members of the workforce. For the most part, I enjoy work. I enjoy being productive and creative and working with others. But I also recognize my own tendency to lean into work for a sense of control and achievement, and if left unchecked, can lead me away from the peace and goodness of God and into my own power.
So this Labor Day week, I invite you to intentionally pray about your work. How is God calling you to show up? What is He asking of you? What does He want to give you through your work? How is He helping you grow in virtue? Ask Him to make visible any idols or any aspects of work that might be getting in the way of your relationship with Him.
I also highly recommend watching the Bishop Barron video, the amazing new posts on our site, and listening to the most recent podcast episode on delighting in God’s goodness, all linked below!
Thank you again for your joy, patience, and prayers as I continue this transition into school! We have some amazing things coming up in the next few weeks, and I cannot wait to share them with you!
In Christ,
Jane
What we’re loving lately (on the blog and beyond!)
Babies and Dreams by Raquel Davis
“We know only so well that many women do not believe babies and dreams can go hand-in-hand.” The Olympics and current discourse inspired mother, professional, and SundayMonday author Raquel to share her own story about realizing her dreams as the mother of her young son, and leave us with some nuggets of truth and wisdom from scripture and mothers living out their dreams. Read it here!
One Step Closer to that Promotion by Kelly Powers
“So you’ve been in your role for months — maybe even years — and you’re tired and frustrated. It could be that you’re bored and don’t see a clear path to the next opportunity. Or perhaps it’s the opposite — you’re working overtime, picking up other responsibilities, and working way outside the scope (and compensation) that you originally agreed to. As Christians (and even more so, as women), it’s sometimes hard for us to ask for more. Shouldn’t we be content with what we have? After all, we hear many times in the Bible that we should stay far away from money and material desires.” Read more here!
Have you stopped listening to Jesus? with Bishop Barron
This 15 minute YouTube video cut deep to my heart. Holy moley, it’s good. Go watch!
Liturgical Living with Gabriela R. A. Doyle
It’s time for our #MonthlyMiracle! This one is the so-called “ice cream miracle” from 1948. A priest named Fr. Hardon had been counseled to promote the Miraculous Medal, which he did, though he was skeptical that the medal would actually help bring about miracles. Later in 1948, however, he visited a hospital where he found a young boy with permanent brain damage from a sledding accident. After hanging a medal around the boy’s neck and reciting the prayer that enrolled the young man in the Confraternity of the Miraculous Medal, he woke up and immediately asked his mother for some ice cream. The doctors were shocked to find that his brain damage had miraculously disappeared, and he was sent home in three days’ time.
Miracles are powerful things, but they also remind us that we are active participants in our faith and God’s plans for our lives. So often they require faith. Think about how you can trust Mary with your own troubles today. You may be surprised to see what happens next!
Intentions for This Week
For those who have been separated from their families during the pandemic, that they might reunite soon. For those who are experiencing suffering, that they might be consoled by the heart of Jesus.
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Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.