I didn’t. If you did, was it about the value of work or social justice for working people. Here are some thoughts from Mike McLoughlin on Why are Churches So Silent When It Comes to Labour Day?
I think the main reason Church ministers don’t mention work is simply because they live in an entirely different world than most of their congregations. For them the only important work is that which builds the Kingdom of God which is by their definition religious work such as evangelism.
So, although this is the day that our society honors work, very likely you did not hear a sermon or message this past Sunday on work. If this past weekend we had celebrated Father’s Day or Mother’s day you would be pondering the importance of such a role as exhorted by your pastor, but despite the fact there are far more workers in congregations than fathers or mothers, you probably did not hear a peep about work. Too bad!
On Holy Thursday we heard a homily on the washing of the feet as a symbol of service. Then we prayed for all those who serve in their capacities as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, catechists, etc. For every one of us who got up on Friday and went about our lives of service, one of us served within the confines of the parish. The other 99 served as teachers, construction workers, lawyers, taxi drivers etc. None of the 99 had a prayer offered for them the previous night. Call it the parable of the 99 overlooked servants.
I think Mike gives a good explanation as to why this happens.
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