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“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.”

Isaiah 35:5-6

I love a saying commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin:  “Doing your best means never stop trying.”  It’s the striving that distinguishes what we do in life—and as believers, it also means the way we share our gifts with the less fortunate.

Tomorrow is Labor Day, a great American holiday that honors the workers and the strivers who labor each day on behalf of their families and their communities.  For people of faith, we know that the tasks we perform with the intention of honoring our call to mission are another way of participating in God’s creation.  The work we do each day has the potential to transform the world.  And that’s not a fanciful thought.  We each have a role to play—whether we’re bankers, homemakers, astronauts, or public servants.

The promise fulfilled in Christ is the gift we strive for:  eternal life when our work in the here and now is completed.  Our role as missioners is to make the world we live in a better place by witnessing God’s love and the gift of salvation.  That means laboring in all the ways we know how:  laboring to support our families… laboring to make our neighborhoods stronger and more livable… laboring to protect our environment… and laboring to build up our Church.  We all have jobs to do.  And every job counts.

This Labor Day I am especially grateful for our scientists and doctors… for our dedicated healthcare professionals… and for the combined forces that gave us a COVID vaccine in record time.  Thanks to them, more people are returning to work each month in good health, and many of our service businesses are rebounding.  Thank God for the labor that has made our fall season so hopeful.

Friend, this Labor Day stop and think about the work you are doing to transform the world.  And don’t forget the day-to-day tasks that tell us who you really are in God’s eyes.  Tasks like taking care of a sick family member, babysitting a grandchild, or sitting down to pray the Rosary.  When we take care of one another in the company of Our Lord, we are changing the world.  I wish you a safe and happy Labor Day.  Rest a little… then back to work!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

Prayer for 1st Sunday

Accept, O Lord, the work of my hands,

all that I plan or produce, and use them

to advance Your kingdom on earth and give

You glory among the nations.

Receive, O God, my rest and relaxation,

in thanksgiving for all You have allowed me to do

with the time and talents with which You have blessed me.

Bless all people with health and strength

to find a decent job and work to earn a living

wage in safe and sanitary conditions.

Send a spirit of patience and encouragement

to all the unemployed and those seeking work.

Grant the means to retire in peace and security

to all who spent their lives in honest labor.

You Who commanded us to love our neighbor,

protect in a special way all first responders:

nurses, doctors, firefighters, and emergency workers

who risk their lives to hold the line in times of crisis and catastrophe.

For all they have done we give them thanks, and we give You praise,

O God, who call us to life, and fill us with Your love.

Amen.

Prayer by, Father Joseph Veneroso M.M.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.