Proper 17 C + Labor in the Pulpit + 8.31.25

 

M. Campbell-Langdell

All Santos, Oxnard

(Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-16; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14)

 

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (From Hebrews 13)

Some of you know that my D.Min. Project on Intercultural Ministry focuses on the moment in Genesis 18 when Abraham greets the three angelic strangers. The author of the letter to the Hebrews today makes reference to this moment and reminds us that, in interacting with each other, we also make space for an encounter with the divine. I argue that, in encountering each other across cultures, we also have a chance to learn more about ourselves and other cultures and grow in the process. We know a little bit about this at All Santos.
This being Labor Day weekend, today we have a special theme of “Labor in the Pulpit.” What do workers have to do with the gospel? Well the answer is quite a lot. Jesus often talks about those who are laboring in fields or households and uses them as examples about the reign of God.

What is the reign of God like? We know it is a place of justice and care between various groups. In today’s gospel it is a place where all are welcomed at the table, and where no one thinks themselves more important than others. Not just those who can invite us to supper but all are welcome. In the Spanish service one of our long-term members, Don Tony, will speak. He was a member of the UFW and in fact receives a modest pension from the union. He says that part of his work in the labor movement was about advocating for other workers. One time the boss came to him and said he was going to summarily fire someone. He said he didn’t think it was right, and so he asked the union representative to advocate for the other worker with the boss and together they got the person another chance. Tony Pina didn’t do this because of what he could receive from his fellow worker. He did it because the benefit of one ultimately is the benefit of the all.

All are welcome at the table and at its best that is what Union work is about too- lifting up all workers, regardless of whether they can help others back.
Lastly the scriptures today tell us that, while other Gods are cracked wells that hold only a little brackish water, God is a fountain of living water who will renew us. God wishes all people to be happy, fed and have safe working conditions. Recently UFW worked hard on some legislation to provide heat protection for workers who are exposed to inclement weather, and I feel that the God who is living water would applaud this work. We welcome United Farmworkers’ Union President Teresa Romero today to share with us a little more about her work and that of UFW, and how to her it connects with gospel values.

(alternative:

Don Tony Piña

I had experience being a Brasero and a resident.

When I was a Brasero, I sometimes didn't have money for rent and would stay in the car and wash in a field for the Braseros.

When I was a resident, I could go anywhere.

The unions were different back then. Sometimes they didn't go to work because they had to go on strike. Sometimes they went on strikes in solidarity with union members in other cities like Delano or other places.

Sometimes I spoke on behalf of other workers. For example, once the foreman wanted to fire someone, but he asked me if it was okay. I said no, and when José Luis came, the union representative asked him for a favor: give the coworker another chance, so they didn't fire him, but he got another chance.

There was a lot of solidarity, and now I have a small pension thanks to the union.

At the same time, not everything was good all the time. Sometimes workers left overnight to take advantage of another opportunity. Sometimes men came to work drunk. And we had to say that this wasn't good, neither for the company nor for our coworkers.

So it was a unique experience.

And now my daughter Marina is part of a union, although her experience is different from mine.)

Thank you to President Romero for sharing these words. We truly appreciate you coming. Remember that, whether you are a worker or whether your labor days are done, you can support others in the struggle for Justice and peace. We will hear more about these themes during the announcements, but whoever you are, God, the God of living water, wants you to be refreshed and whole, and invites you into the work of justice to help others to be refreshed and whole also!