The Feast of the Saint of Mercy, Mother St Teresa of Kolkata.

"THE FRUIT OF PRAYER IS A DEEPENING OF FAITH, AND THE FRUIT OF FAITH IS LOVE; AND THE FRUIT OF LOVE IS SERVICE, IN WHATEVER FORM, EVEN IN OUR FAMILY. LOVE BEGINS AT HOME." (ST MOTHER TERESA OF KOLKATA).

"On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.

"But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there.

"Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”

"Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus." (Luke 6: 6 - 11).

Monday 5th September 2022  of the 23rd Week of Ordinary Time is the feast day of the Saint of Mercy, St Mother Teresa of Kolkata. It is also Labor Day in the USA.

The Church celebrates today the feast of St Teresa of Kolkata (1910 - 1997). Founder of the Missionaries of Charity.

Mother St Teresa was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation of women dedicated to helping the poor. The Missionaries of Charity is considered one of the 20th Century's greatest humanitarian organization. Mother was canonized as Saint Teresa of Kolkata on September 4th 2016 by Pope Francis. Among her many international awards is the Nobel Peace Prize.

"By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus." (St Teresa of Kolkata).

The Gospel of today is another Sabbath controversy which Jesus seems to relish. A good subject for reflection on Labor Day.

St Teresa of Kolkata and the Missionaries of Charity serve the Poorest of the Poor. Is labor organized to serve the poor or the rich?

For the opponents of Jesus, almost no work is permitted on the Sabbath. For many in the USA, work on Sunday is not an option.

On this point, Jesus asked them:
“I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”

The scribes and Pharisees refused to answer the question. Jesus then turned to the man with the withered hand and said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored."

On Labor Day, we remember that God commanded man to work in order to participate in the work of creation. Like the scribes and Pharisees, there is always a great temptation for the people that control work to exclude the poor when it comes to benefits.

May the work we do contribute to real progress on earth and the growth of the Kingdom of God.

"If you would serve My Father, serve Me, especially in the weakest and poorest members of My Mystical Body. Whatsoever you do unto them, you do unto Me, and what is done unto Me becomes an offering pleasing in My Father’s sight." (Saturday, February 9, 2008).

Lord Jesus, bless and prosper the work of our hands.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com