From the talking heads of news programs to the endless strings of mindless “comments” online, the quality of conversation in our numerous forms of media seems to have hit a new low. The point these days is not to reach a common understanding but to sway others to your opinion—no matter how underinformed and superficial it may be—or at least knock down the opinion of another.

The funny thing about Labor Day is that it’s the one day of the year no one expects to work! We celebrate work by not doing any. We honor the value of labor by putting it out of our thoughts for an extra-long weekend. Work is an activity we esteem most when we’re not doing it. In a period of unemployment, for example, work seems like the grandest and most longed-for opportunity of all.

ONE TIME when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move. He went on to tell a story to the guests around the table . . . .

I ONCE taught a student with a pretty rough background story. Her mother and father had abandoned her, leaving the girl and her sister to be raised by their grandmother. I communicated with this caretaker and felt assured that my student was in a loving home.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

If you’re looking for a simple moral message in the readings this week, look no further than humility. After all, the Book of Sirach seems to say, doesn’t God prefer the devout who stick to God’s wisdom rather than speculating on things beyond them? Won’t God reward those who keep taking the lower place at the table, according to the gospel parable?

Love one another.” “Forgive everyone.” “Give to those who cannot repay you.” These sayings of Jesus seem like a lot of hard work with little reward. But nothing could be further from the truth.

When you have pity on the poor, you lend to God; and whoever gives to the least, gives to God. —Saint Cyprian of Carthage (third century)