Proper 18
The Very Rev. Anthony R. Pompa
The evolution of a national observance of Labor Day grew out of the labor movement in North America in the midst of the Industrial Revolution of the 1880’s and 1890’s. In the continued struggle for expanding industry in a difficult economy, the seeking of jobs and fair wages, and the hope of building a strong sustaining economy, came observances of both recognizing officially the goodness of labor, AND at the same time as unions were beginning to form, finding a just workplace for the common laborer in a time when management clearly had most of the power in such relationships. President Grover Cleveland’s administration took the lead in establishing a national observance of labor in the aftermath of the deaths of workers at the hands of police and federal marshals during the infamous Pullman strike in 1893. The workers of the Pullman Palace Company had experienced significant wage cuts in a difficult economy. In addition, many working for the company lived in company-owned housing. Despite wage cuts, there was no relief in rent for housing. The railroad union across the country joined in a strike, and management appealed to the federal government for intervention. Attorney General Richard Olney invoked an injunction to end the strike, citing that the strike was illegal, as the disruption in train service impeded fair trade and secondly, the strike interfered with the delivery of mail. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act created in 1890 was aimed at breaking up monopolies. In this case, it was being used to break up a strike. Workers, of course, rebelled, the government sent in agents, and there was violence and death.
President Wilson, in the aftermath of such difficulty, was intentional in striking a reconciliatory spirit and, working closely with congress, rushed legislation through marking a day of observance and thanksgiving for labor. Since that time in 1894, there has been a national observance of labor.
A history such as this calls us to reflect on our work, our individual place and understanding of who we are as we offer ourselves to the world through our work and, of course, the ever present, always important role of justice in all we do and all we are as individuals and as a society. Wisdom, it seems, would go a long way in the historical context of those struggling in difficult times to discover a common goal and place for labor and industry, particularly in the case of the Pullman strike and its aftermath that leads us to a national day of observance of labor. Common sense, it seems, may lead us to a place of understanding who we are in our labor and how we offer ourselves to the common good.
The Book of Proverbs perhaps offers us some good old-fashioned common sense as we reflect on who we are and how we are connected to the common good.
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common:
the Lord is the maker of them all.
Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of anger will fail.
Those who are generous are blessed,
for they share their bread with the poor.
Do not rob the poor because they are poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate;
for the Lord pleads their cause
and despoils of life those who despoil them.
The Book of Proverbs is considered by scholars to be wisdom literature. This book is a compilation of “wisdom” collected from centuries of sayings and writings, and offered to Jews in post-exilic Jewish history. This literature consists of two characteristics. First, contemplative and speculative writings aimed at the revelation of God’s spirit for the goodness of living life. Second, short and even pithy sayings that emphasize a moral guide of life, often appealing to lessons of experience rather than revelation.
Our scripture today comes from sayings passed down through generations in the history of Israel. It belongs to the second description of wisdom literature. Today we read straight up common sense sayings designed to be a moral guide to those striving to live a faithful life for the good of themselves and for the common good.
First, to strive for a faithful life, strive not after gold and silver, but be more cognizant about who you are and who you will be remembered to be. Generations will remember you for who you were and what you gave to the common good, rather than by what you accumulated in life. Rooted in this teaching is the rather obvious statement, we are all created by God, rich and poor. Humanity links us together, making us accountable to one another. A common sense teaching, one even found in the earliest of foundational truths of our society, but clearly as history has taught us, it is a difficult one to live faithfully.
Second, live just lives. That is, be fair. Work for your share and be mindful not to take your share at the expense of others; simple, but difficult. Clearly it is not unique in the 21st century that fortunes are, at times, built on the backs of those less fortunate. This seems to be true in ancient times as well. It is also not unique to ancient times that linked humanity also had the capacity for great generosity to the poor and downtrodden, something I see also in many of you, and it gives me great hope.
Finally, all our proverbs for this day seem to remind us that we are always folks connected to the needs of others. Simple again, I say, in principle, but our greatest challenge to live in reality as well.
This Labor Day calls us to reflect upon who we are as a faithful people. It calls us to consider to what end our labors exist. It calls us to reflect upon the fair and industrious practices with ourselves and individuals, and the fair and industrious practices that exist or need to be established within our own society. Even as many in our society struggle with unemployment and finding re-employment, we take with us the wisdom of the scriptures that reminds us that we are defined by who we are and what we offer to the common good, not by our jobs themselves, but rather by the God who links us together by our humanity. Even as we observe again this national observance of labor, we reflect on our opportunity to live lives for the common good.
I leave you with this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP 261).
The Lord be with you:
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
