Come, Labor On
I write this from my downtown office over the screams of fighter jets flying past the Cathedral: Labor Day in Cleveland means, among other things, the air show, so the jets start practicing early. Whether this weekend means going to the air show, a baseball game, Oktoberfest, or just enjoying some time at home, I wish you a safe and relaxing weekend.
Though traditionally the end of summer and a day to honor workers, Labor Day can also be a moment to reflect on work and what it means to put effort into building the community that God envisions for us. The hymn Come, Labor On reminds us that we are all workers in the garden, co-creating through our faithful labor the Beloved Community.
How do we do this work, especially when our work includes the dismantling of systems of injustice? When it comes to the work of racial justice and reconciliation in America, what work can and must we do?
The Peace, Justice, and Mercy team is considering what this work might look like for the people of Trinity. Might this “labor” include the inner work of confession and healing? How might we disrupt systemic racism? Can our worship and liturgy be a catalyst for change? What relationships might we cultivate to deepen this work? Can we consider a “rule of life” that might allow this work to bear fruit?
We look forward to updating Trinity with the fruit of our discernment in the coming months. (We’d planned to do so this Sunday, but are still in process and think that labor day isn’t the best weekend to do it). I welcome your thoughts and ,of course, your willingness to join me in doing the work.
The Very Rev. Bernard J. Owens