Chapter 12 The Third Commandment

Questions to Ponder What Obligations does faithful observance of the third commandment place on the Christians in modern society? How should Christians resolve the conflicts that sometimes arise between the demands of this commandment and other obligations?

Introduction

Sunday… The Lords Day –Celebrates the completion of Creation Obligatory day of worship Obligatory day of rest

Section One The Importance of the Sabbath in the Old Testament

Third Commandment Exodus 20: 8-11 –Rest was primary and worship was secondary Leviticus –Sabbath was for rest/worship Pharisees –Casuistic morality Condemned by Jesus

Section Two The Lords Day in the New Testament

Third Commandment The first day of the week, [they] gathered together to break bread (Acts 20:7) St Ignatius of Antioch laid foundation for Sabbath day to be Sunday Constantine the Great solidified it

Section Three The Christian Sunday

Third Commandment E. Church celebrations –private 325 AD –Edict of Milan Emperor forbids certain public works –Day of rest born Council of Orleans AD 511/538 –Christians encouraged to create laws forbidding certain work –REST!

Section Four The Obligation of Attending Mass on Sundays/Holy Days of Obligation

Origins of Obligation Giving worship to God one day a week Eucharist Carries on the redemptive mission of the Church

Holy Days of Obligation Mary Mother of God (Jan 1) The Ascension of Jesus (40 days after Easter) The Assumption of Mary (Aug 15) The Feast of All Saints (Nov 1) The Immaculate Conception (Dec 8) Christmas Day (Dec 25 th )

Section Five The Fulfillment of the Precept of Attending Mass

Mass Attendance Serious/grave sin if missed Only permissible to miss if serious matter Taking care of an infant Illness

Section Six Obligation to Rest

Why Rest? Rest facilitates the worship of God by eliminating outside distractions The need for rest is a requirement of the human condition

Section Seven Activity Permitted on Sunday

You Can Do… So long as… –It does not impede upon the celebration of the Eucharist –It does not inhibit the festive happiness of Sunday –It does not make bodily or mental rest impossible

Section Eight Re-Christianization of Sunday

Let it be Known You CAN eliminate the burdens of modern society! –Let other know that you intend on keeping the Sabbath –If a work obligation –work, but keep God as the Focus!

Conclusion

Final Thoughts… You have a SERIOUS obligation to attend Mass! When you do not go to Mass –You lose the gifts of the Holy Spirit –Your conscience is deadened –Your attitudes/conduct deteriorate

Works Cited Our Moral Life in Christ. United States : Midwestern Theological Seminary, 2006.