The Catholic Defender: Happy Labor Day

"Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ."

The American Worker beginning in the 19th century, have enjoyed the results of the "Industrial Revolution" which brought in jobs throughout America. This has been the envy of the world as many Immigrants push to come to America searching for a better life.

The major debate on Immigration is that they come here legally. That being placed on the side, America has always opened the doors which is what the "Statue of Liberty" represents. As a nation of laws which are at the core to protect the American people, this also includes the American worker.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 states, "I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; also that it is God's gift to man that every one should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil." Further evidence the importance that America hold's fast to her Judeo/Christian roots.

Unions and labor movements arose to help workers find jobs which sought to empowered workers against owners as cities became metropolises. The American workers have benefited through efforts of the Unions, especially in the early movements. Wages and rights were established:

"rights or workers' rights are a group of legal rights and claimed human rights having to do with labor relations between workers and their employers, usually obtained under labor and employment law. In general, these rights' debates have to do with negotiating workers' pay, benefits, and safe working conditions." Osha

One problem developed as a result of the "Industrial Revelation", the American family began to loose it's foundations. Children were once help on the farms, but we have lost the closeness of extended family. Many moved to the cities looking for jobs leaving behind their families and traditions.

"He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense." Proverbs 12:11

What one generation tolerates, the next accepts which is why we suffer as the result of the deterioration of the family. The Sexual Revolution, Gay Marriage, Abortion emerged as a result of people loosing their Religion. The Culture war has caused America to have to choose between two paths, Sodom and Gomorrah or Nineveh.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 offers hope that we can travel the road of Nineveh:

"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:19 gives a glimpse of the Judgement we face for Sodom:

"But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from the land which I have given you; and this house, which I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples."

We have our work cut out for us to strengthen traditional families, to support families trying to make a good living, to support the freedom of Religion, to prevent the Government to become a burden on the backs of the American worker.

Act's 20:35 states, "In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." As America is a melting pot of many cultures, it is important that we hold fast to the principles that made America what it is. To return to patriotism, to honor Old Glory not forgetting who we essentially are. We must work to keep our freedoms which many today want to take away our rights.

As we take a break from our labors, Labor Day is called the "unofficial end of summer" as school already is back in session. Let us thank God for the blessings we have in America. Let us strive to return to our foundations. Money is important to pay the bills, definitely, education, experience are important but please do not forsake our Catholic Faith. Right now we have the freedom to go anywhere in America to start a new way of life, a new job opportunity. Find a local Catholic Church to make your spiritual home. Your family away from family, your home away from home. Keep your family heritage!

"Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3