Monday of the 23rd Week of the Ordinary Time, Labor Day-USA

Today, on Labor Day, we give thanks for the gift of work—for the work we do to support our families and serve others.
But today’s Gospel invites us to ask a deeper question: Are we also doing the work of God? And how are we doing it?

Jesus sees the man with the withered hand and says, “Stretch out your hand.” And when he does, Jesus restores him.

Sometimes our hearts can become a little withered too—through tiredness, discouragement, anger, or lack of forgiveness. We may still be working, but perhaps we have lost the joy and love that should be part of our work.

So today Jesus says to us: “Stretch out your hand.” Reach out to someone who needs you. Forgive. Encourage. Serve. Do the ordinary things of life with love.

A parent’s care for a family, a worker’s honest effort, a neighbor’s kindness, a person’s prayer—all can become God’s work.

So on this Labor Day, let us ask: Am I doing God’s work? And am I doing it well—with love?

Lord, restore whatever is withered in us, and help us make our daily work an offering to You. Amen

Have a wonderful Labor Day

About the Author

My name is Fr. Peter Eke, a priest of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. I was called to the Catholic priesthood in July 19th, 1997. I studied Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University, in Rome, Italy, with JCL Degree in 2001 and JCD (doctorate) Degree in 2003. Currently, I am the pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Petoskey, Michigan. I am also a Judge at the Marriage Tribunal in my Diocese. In my free time, I love reading, listening to music, and taking a long walk. Since my ordination my inspiring message has been “with God the oil in the flask will not dry” (1Kings 17:14).

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