As the sun
rises to bring in the new day:
We remember
those who descend into the earth, their work begins in darkness, pulling from
the earth the resources we steward.
We remember
those who work inside a building away from the light and brightness of the day.
We remember
those who work outside in the harsh elements of our world, the bitter cold and
sweltering heat of extremes.
We remember
those who do not have a job to go to, who are struggling to meet the needs of
their daily living expenses, for whom the day becomes long and arduous.
As the sun
sets to bring in the evening of rest:
We remember
those who work in the night.
We remember
those who are trying to recover from their labor and toils of the day.
We remember
those who participate in unsafe and dangerous work.
We pray for a
renewed sense of dignity in their lives and in their work.
God, in your
goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for
compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities.
Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us
your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness
or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are
not able to run and play but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help
their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go
about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions,
but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together
to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of
the Holy Spirit. Amen. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)