Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 365 – Part V.

YOUCAT Question n. 365 – Part V. How do Christians make Sunday “the Lord’s day”?

(Youcat answer - repeated) A Catholic Christian attends Holy Mass on Sunday or on the vigil of Sunday. On that day he refrains from all work that would prevent him from worshipping God or disturb the festive, joyful, restful, and restorative character of the day.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2184) Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done" (Gen 2:2), human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives  (Cf. GS 67 § 3).     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Since Sunday is an Easter celebration that occurs each week, Christians from the earliest times have gathered together on that day to celebrate and thank their Redeemer and to reunite themselves with him and with others who are redeemed. So it is a central duty of every conscientious Catholic Christian to “keep holy” Sunday and the other holy days of the Church. One is exempted from it only by urgent family duties and important responsibilities in society. Because participation in the Sunday Eucharist is fundamental for a Christian life, the Church explicitly declares that it is a serious sin to stay away from Sunday Mass without good reason.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2185) On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body (Cf. CIC, can. 120). Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health. The charity of truth seeks holy leisure - the necessity of charity accepts just work (St. Augustine, De civ. Dei 19, 19: PL 41, 647).    

(This question: How do Christians make Sunday “the Lord’s day”? is continued)