Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Long before Labor Day became known as the unofficial end of summer and the vacation season, the day of the last beach barbecue and the opening of the school year, it was the one annual federal holiday that “honors the social and economic achievements of the American labor movement. It recognizes the sacrifices and contributions workers have made to build the nation’s strength, prosperity, and standard of living.”
The holiday is rooted in the harsh realities of the late 19th-century Industrial Revolution and the brutal conditions that then existed. “At the time, the average American worked 12-hour days, seven days a week, often in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, while children as young as 5 toiled in factories and mines.”
Those times are well past, although we also know that developments in artificial intelligence (AI) pose a new threat to workers. We will need new guidelines and protections. Pope Leo’s new encyclical is a very good source for the same.
All of this leads up to a consideration of the guidelines and protection Our Lord offers in the Gospel for the difficult labor of what we call “fraternal correction.”
Sometime in life, nearly all of us will face the sad event of a family member or a close friend who is slowly but surely slipping into a life-altering problem. Most often, that takes the form of some addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling (even online), food, or fame. We note its development. We want to help. We hesitate to hurt. We know we will likely face the other’s denial, anger, and strong resentment of our perceived intrusion.
That’s when we must bear in mind that such intervention is a form of that brotherly or sisterly Christian love to which fidelity to Christ compels us. It is certainly difficult, but a lot less difficult than the love the Lord has for each of us, made manifest and proven by His crucifixion and death, and so often unrequited by us sinners.
We also need to remember the spiritual strength we receive from the Holy Eucharist. St. Paul makes that declaration in his letter to the Philippians (4:13): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
All that’s left then, for you and me, is a firm resolve to get to work, as we are doing a labor of love.
God love you and give you His strength.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Ezekiel 33:7-9
As a watchman, the prophet offers a warning to a wicked person that they should turn away from sin voluntarily, or else. Incidentally, the Ash Wednesday advice to the penitent reads: “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel.”
Reading II: Romans 13:8-10
One’s obligation to lawful authority is surpassed by one’s duty to love one another. Only the Holy Spirit living in us by reason of our Baptism, and especially Confirmation, makes this possible.
The Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Our Lord Himself outlines a three-step procedure for confronting a brother or sister who is doing wrong. Obviously, it is an important guide for living “Church life” today.