Chapter 12The 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 Lord’s 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 Lord’s 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 25th)

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.