YOUCAT Question n. 366 - Why is it important for the State to preserve Sunday?
(Youcat
answer) Sunday is a genuine service to the good of society, because it is a
sign of opposition to the total absorption of man by the working world.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 2187)
Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should
avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from
observing the Lord's Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.),
and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on
Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for
leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they
avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure
activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure
citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar
obligation toward their employees.
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Therefore in lands that have a Christian
character, Christians not only demand the governmental preservation of Sunday,
they also do not ask others to do work that they themselves do not want to do
on Sunday. Everyone in creation should take part in this “breather”.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 2188)
In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should
seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They
have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend
their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society.
If a country's legislation or other reasons require work on Sunday, the day
should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share
in this "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn who
are enrolled in heaven" (Heb 12:22-23).
No comments:
Post a Comment