432. What are the precepts of the Church? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp 432 repetition) They are: 1) to
attend Mass on Sundays and other holy days of obligation and to refrain from
work and activities which could impede the sanctification of those days; 2) to
confess one's sins, receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation at least once
each year; 3) to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the
Easter season; 4) to abstain from eating meat and to observe the days of
fasting established by the Church; and 5) to help to provide for the material
needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.
"In brief"
"In brief"
(CCC 2048) The precepts of the
Church concern the moral and Christian life united with the liturgy and
nourished by it.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2043) The fourth precept (“You shall observe the days
of fasting and abstinence established by the Church") ensures the times of
ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us
acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart (Cf. CIC, can.
1249-1251: CCEO, can. 882). The fifth precept (“You shall help to provide for
the needs of the Church”) means that the faithful are obliged to assist with
the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability (Cf. CIC,
can. 222; CCEO, can. 25; Furthermore,
episcopal conferences can establish ecclesiastical precepts for their own
territories (Cf. CIC, can. 455).
Reflection
Reflection
(CCC 1438) The seasons and days of penance in the course of
the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord)
are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice (Cf. SC 109-110; CIC,
cann. 1249-1253; CCEO, Cann. 880-883). These times are particularly appropriate
for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of
penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal
sharing (charitable and missionary works) (CCC 1351) From the very beginning
Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts
to share with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ
who became poor to make us rich (Cf. 1 Cor 16:1; 2 Cor 8:9): Those who are well
off, and who are also willing, give as each chooses. What is gathered is given
to him who presides to assist orphans and widows, those whom illness or any
other cause has deprived of resources, prisoners, immigrants and, in a word,
all who are in need (St. Justin, Apol.
1, 67: PG 6, 429). [END]
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