I'm always somewhat amazed - and pleased - that The Episcopal Church has established a Eucharistic Proper for Labor Day. Especially since we 'Piskies have been known as more of an upper-class denomination historically, it's good for us to remember those that do the hard work that keeps our homes and cities running. I especially like the reading from the Book of Sirach (also called Ecclesiasticus, from the Apocrypha) appointed for today. The author extols the value that the ordinary craftspeople of the day have for their societies: "Without them no city can be inhabited, and wherever they they live, they will never go hungry."Would that be the case today, when 48 million Americans have no health insurance and 35 million are food insecure!
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
RFSJ
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