St James Catholic Church

This is Labor Day weekend.  Often seen as the end of summer.  Where did the time go?  We honor all those who work to do the things that contribute to society whether in a factory, on a farm, in an office, at home, or together in building the Kingdom of God.  Unfortunately, there is so much division in our world, our country, our church, and society in general.

On the one hand, the forces that bring us together are working very effectively in our modern world.  One of these forces is communication.  We have computers, telephones, radio, television, and communication satellites that enable us to hear and see what is taking place almost everywhere on earth.  Communication technology has made the world a smaller place.  Another force that is producing the same result is transportation.  Look at our means of travel today-automobiles, airplanes, trains, and even space ships.  There is hardly a place on the face of the earth that you could not reach by this time tomorrow.  Transportation has made the world a smaller place.  Unfortunately, proximity has not produced a spirit of community.   The human race continues to be deeply divided.

Our Gospel today suggests ways in which you and I can help to produce this sense of community.  First, we can take our relationships with other people seriously and seek to make them right.  “If your brother or sister should commit some serious wrong, go and point out their fault, but keep it between you and them;” open face-to-face communication.  Face up to it and deal with it.  Go to that person and talk it out.  If that fails, bring in a third party, some wise and trusted arbitrator.  If that fails, refer it to the church.  In our society that may not be possible, but the message is clear.  We should spare no effort in trying to save these personal relationships.  We cannot be right with God unless we are also right with people.  The health and happiness of the world depends upon good relationships between plain people, like you and me.  This is even more evident with our recent racial upheavals.

One other way that we can help produce this sense of community is through prayer.  “If two of you join your voices in prayer for anything, it shall be granted by my father in heaven.”  For what does the human family want more than peace?  If that is true, then our brokenness and dividedness will be healed.  Let our Labor Day prayer be “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

Love, Peace, Joy

Fr. Bob