Daily Meditation for September 7, 2026

Today we celebrate Labor Day, a day that originated during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century to honor the contributions of workers who worked long hours in sometimes challenging and unsafe conditions. God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and asked them to tend it, and so the first work that we read about in sacred scripture is the tending of a garden. Whether we are gardeners, builders, hairdressers, seamstresses, artists, accountants or garbage collectors, our work is important. Usually, work is a way of serving others as well as supporting ourselves and our families. Work can be a blessing that gives us purpose and satisfaction. In many ways work is a gift. Today let us pray for all who sacrifice their time and energy to labor for the good of others. Let us also remember those who are unemployed and are searching for the gift of work.

By Mary Weidner, OSB