Happy Labor Day weekend.
Labor Day is a yearly national tribute to the achievements of the American
worker and the many contributions they have made to the well-being of our
country.There’s an ancient wisdom tradition that says God sends each person into
this life with a special message, a special song, a special act of love to
bestow.
No matter who we are, no matter what our work, all of us, from a Christian
perspective, have a mission to fulfill. God has committed some work to each one
of us that he has not committed to another.
So, whatever our life’s work is, do it well! Holiness is all about
doing our life’s work as best we can. Labor Day reminds us to take pride in
that.
In Sunday’s Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus asks us to settle
our differences, not by complaining to everyone else about someone whose
behavior annoys us, but by going directly to the person first. Conflicts are
inevitable, but if dealt with constructively, they can create better
friendships.
I can imagine Jesus saying to us: focus on the behavior, not the
person; avoid negative name calling. Manage your emotions; stay positive; offer
solutions. Be trustworthy, open, fair and calm. St. Paul wrote, “Love does not
brood over injuries.” All of us must be willing to forgive and work together to
create positive relationships.
Leo Tolstoy, the celebrated 19th century Russian author, noted
that there are only two important questions in life: “What shall we do and how
shall we live?”
I would like to focus on the latter question, how shall we live? How shall
we live? By being men and women of moral character.
A person of moral character will choose fair mindedness over bigotry, the
dignity of the person over impersonal business or material advantage, a respect
for human beings over the lust for pleasure, or power, or personal success, a
willingness to go the extra mile to make something “just right.”
A person of character will speak up for what is right and defend what is
fair, and will not remain silent out of cowardice and let the crowd take over,
but will take a stand on principle and conscience --yes, an informed
conscience, even if it is to one’s worldly disadvantage. A person of character
will show courage, and not simply “get along by going along.”
In short, try to choose what is true and good and right in all decisions,
small and great, that affect family, work, career, and social life, the raising
of children, relationships with others, even leisure time.
All of us are called to simply to seek what is right and true and good. And
having found it: have the courage to just do it. That’s what it means to be men
and women of moral character.+
