Labor Day: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Epiphany Family,
As by now most students have returned to school. It was hard for me to believe that both my oldest nephew and oldest niece have begun their first year of college. I made sure to check in on them via text and let them know of their opportunities to go to Mass and join Catholic organizations at Wright State and Bowling Green respectively. There are always opportunities for each of us to grow as students of the Catholic faith – Catholic radio (89.7 FM), Catholic TV, videos via FORMED, parish opportunities and more. At the heart of it all though is to become better students or disciples of Jesus, as we seek to sit at the Master’s feet in prayer and follow Him more closely each day.

Labor Day reminds us of the value and benefits of work. Jesus sanctified human labor. He was a humble worker with and in His family for 30 years before He began HIs public ministry. The Catechism (#2427) tells us: “Work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from him. It can also be redemptive. By enduring the hardship of work in union with Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth and the one crucified on Calvary, man collaborates in a certain fashion with the Son of God in his redemptive work. He shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work he is called to accomplish. Work can be a means of sanctification and a way of animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ.” May we always strive to offer our work not only for our good and the good of others but ultimately for the praise and glory of God.

In Christ,
Father Eric