May 1: Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker
Posted by Campus Ministry on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 6:00 AM PDT
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On May 1st the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker, the father of Jesus and patron of all workers. Around the world today many countries celebrate Labor Day. Over the past week there has been extensive news coverage on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on workers, including dangerous working conditions, unfair wage practices, and record unemployment rates. On this day we remember that one of the foundations of Catholic Social Teaching is the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, which is rooted in the scriptures and in our tradition of Catholic thought and action.
So on this day I offer a prayer for workers:
Creator God,
you made the earth and all that is in it, and declared it good.
You have made us in your image, and invited us into partnership to care for the earth
and for every living thing that shares this planet with us.
Our world that has been impacted by coronavirus cries out to you.
Remind us today Compassionate One, that you look at us and call us good.
Remind us that we are called to work and to rest like you:
to use our gifts with care, with pride in our work, to bring life to all,
and to offer to you with thanksgiving the fruit of the earth and work of our human hands.
Jesus our Friend,
you were the child of Joseph the carpenter, who taught you his trade,
be near now to all workers, who need your care:
Bless those who have work, in every field today,
may Your grace bring success to the work of their hands and rest and renewal to their lives.
Bless those who are out of work, laid off, and furloughed today,
may Your guiding hand bring new opportunities and peace to ease their fears.
Bless those who have to risk their lives at work today,
may Your protection guard them from danger and energize their work.
Bless those who are mistreated and exploited at work today,
may Your power uphold their rights and dignity and bring them justice.
Bless those who do not receive a fair and living wage today,
may they receive what they need through Your abundant care.
Jesus, you came to proclaim good news to the poor,
open our eyes to the suffering of our neighbor,
those treated as disposable and dehumanized during this pandemic (and always),
and help us all to strive together for the protection of all workers and all your people.
Spirit of Life, You labor among us,
pour out Your wisdom to guide our leaders at every level and institution in their decision making.
Give those in power the grace to understand
that budgets are moral documents, that reflect the values of our community,
and that the economy should serve the people, not the people the economy.
Turn our hearts away from the idols of money, power, prestige, and consumerism,
towards reverence and awe for Your abundant goodness and to love for all your creation.
Change our hearts Holy One, and grant that we may have the fortitude
to strive for the common good, the protection of the dignity of all workers,
and the care for the most poor and vulnerable,
so every person may have the capacity for fullness of life through You.
Amen.
JoAnn Lopez, Campus Minister for Liturgy and Resident Minister