Dignity in labour

Before we get started, just remember, You shouldn't always follow your dreams, and here's my latest from Locals; Stop autism shaming.  And, hey, I wrote a book, you can find out more about it, here, and here. 

So, it should be noted, that I do not always see eye-to-eye with my pastor. He's not exactly the most understanding of people, when it comes to my youngest sister (Beware the spiritual abuse ,On clericalism ), but having said that, I recently went to Mass on 1 May 2026. Look at your liturgical calendar to see what that is in the western church.
And said pastor, mentioned, in his homily, the importance of labour, and the dignity of the worker. He also mentioned, how the Church gave us that day as a counter to atheistic communism.
Communists are correct to be concerned about the rights of the worker. (Even if no communist governments actually took that whole “safety” thing, seriously, (Commemorative Events Held at Chornobyl NPP to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Disaster)
But, there is dignity in work, dignity in labour.
Labour without dignity is slavery.
Name a job, my maternal grandfather may have very well done it. As much as I complain about my stepdad, he is a hard worker. Sometimes, too hard of a worker.
Dad was a hard worker, too. He was a diesel mechanic with Ditch witch, I think until he came down with ALS.
Because of my physical disability (which, by the way, I've never been on disability, although I did get SSA survivor's benefits until I was nineteen, because my father died when I was nine).
But, my pastor quoted some verses, that, even when he was a Lutheran, stuck with him. And I think it's good to remember, that we honour God with our work. Not because we think we'll get anything from him for it, but because he gives us everything we need to be able to do that work.
And, I was thinking about this. What do I do that's important?
I write about the Bible. I think some people might come across my articles and say “you know, Charlie is a smart, articulate, fellow”. You're funny!
But, without people labouring to write down scripture, I wouldn't be typing this.
Anyway, this is what my pastor said has always been something that has stuck with him.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24).
And, since I won't label something a Bible study unless I have three verses, there's one that I think about (and contrary to what you may think, writers aren't lazy, I have to do massive research for a lot of these articles).
“For the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads grain”, and “The laborer deserves his wage” (1 Timothy 5:18).

*All verses from ESV Catholic Edition with Deuterocanonical Books, Copyright 2017 by Crossway.

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, news, and whatever community on Locals.