GREETINGS TO THE HOLY PEOPLE OF GOD,
It’s Labor Day weekend and a good time to reflect historically as we take a day off from work to celebrate work while we notice the many “Now Hiring” signs on businesses. This 3-day weekend rose out of the industrial revolution of the late 1800s. The average American worked 12-hour days, 7 days a week for basic living. In some places, children as young as 5 or 6 worked in mills, factories and mines earning a small wage. Workers often faced unsafe working conditions, access to fresh air, unsanitary facilities, and no breaks.
In response, labor unions organized with rallies and strikes to protest poor working conditions and negotiate hours and pay. The first Labor Day parade took place on September 5, 1882, with 10,000 workers taking unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square. Many of these events turned violent such as the Chicago Haymarket Riot of 1886. Many states passed legislation recognizing a “workingmen’s holiday”. Congress finally recognized and passed legislation after the May 11, 1894, Pullman Palace Car Company strike in Chicago resulted in a boycott called by the American Railroad Union on June 26 that crippled railroad traffic nationwide. The federal government dispatched troops, riots ensued, people died. To repair ties with workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and territories and on June 28, 1894, President Cleveland signed it into law.
Take some time to reflect upon this day that arose out of human brokenness, a little resurrection and sign of hope. Left to ourselves, we work ourselves beyond what is good for us. We neglect to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our need for rest, for boundaries on work, and for Sabbath reminds us of God’s love for us and the world.
Consider revisiting the Exodus story and Pharoah’s treatment of his labor force. Had he only cared for his workers rather than being threatened by them, the blessings that could have come forth were never known. Think about how you take work into your own hands and your failure to share it with God and others and what happens. What protests, strikes and riots emerge? What does your brokenness show you?
Reflect upon your own Sabbath day practices. How do you remember the Sabbath and keep it holy? Does your rest include remembering God’s rest at the end of creation? Does your remembering include that you are more than what you do or accomplish? You are a human being, so remember to BE and rest in your being as you rest from your doing. Sabbath is a time to remember and to rest. Rest from worry and anxiety. Rest in hope of what God brings forth from death, suffering and brokenness. Remember, we celebrate our sabbath on Sunday, the day we remember the power of Jesus’ resurrection.
Bold Inquisitive Belief Loving Expansively,
Pastor Connie Spitzack
