Monday was Labor Day, a time to honor those people whose work makes life possible. My family used to have a barbeque on Labor Day, but I remember how my grandfather always had to leave at 4 p.m. because he had to stoke the boilers at the apartment buildings where he was janitor. Work went on holiday or not.

There is work in the religious life as well. The motto of Benedictine monks is Ora et Labora, Pray and Work. It reflects the Rule of St. Benedict which gives directions for the times of prayer each day,  as well as the times for work, sleep, meals, study and even naps. Many people think that having eight prayer services a day is excessive, but the Rule of St. Benedict is noteworthy for its sense of moderation. It seeks a sense of balance in life. It just doesn’t think a balanced life only provides for one hour of prayer on Sundays unless there is something else more entertaining to do.

The fact that the Rule covers everything in a monk’s life shows that Benedict thought the whole of life had to be lived so that “in God all things may be glorified.” Prayer and work and all the rest need to be brought into balance and used to glorify God. That’s the way to the good life.

Read Colosians 3:11-17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne