February 2023--

Theme #5: The Dignity of Work & the Rights of Workers

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

Wouldn't it be wonderful to want to go to work every day! How fortunate I am to tell you, that was my experience as a school teacher. In hindsight, I see the reason for that was that all the conditions of this CST were in place. The dignity of each person, especially the young, took priority. My pay was just, allowing me to live my gospel values with integrity.

Work, allowing for creativity, the development of our talents, and participation in God's creation should not be an unattainable ideal but an opportunity open to all. Whether employer or employee, we must ask ourselves, what is our role in seeing to the rights of every individual, affording the marginalized employee or co-worker the same dignity? How do we enable each and every worker to contribute to a just society, find personal fulfillment in dignified work and maintain his or her integrity, just as Jesus instructs his followers in Luke 3: 10-14? 

 What about those unable to work? As a society, how do we, through government, Church and social structures, see to the aid of those individuals? Are we aware of Jesus's words, promoting the common good over greed and power, when we vote, pray, or do service?  As in Deuteronomy 24:28-29, we pray that the Lord will bless our work and that we share its fruits with others so all may achieve their full humanity. 

(CST Reflection Author: Rose Mary Schendel)

Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
3. Rights and Responsibilities
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
6. Solidarity
7. Care for God’s Creation

Loving others comes first from abiding in our relationship with God. As Christians, our care for the other is not just a social good, but it is integral to the relationship with Jesus. If you take out the relationship to Jesus, we are like any organization that seeks to help others. Without Christ we become humanitarians. With Christ we become Christians in the truest sense of the word. And that reality is what transforms the world.