Monday, March 25, 2013
454. Why is the civil recognition of Sunday as a feast day important?
(Comp 454) It is important so that all might be given the real possibility of
enjoying sufficient rest and leisure to take care of their religious, familial,
cultural and social lives. It is important also to have an opportune time for
meditation, for reflection, for silence, for study, and a time to dedicate to
good works, particularly for the sick and for the elderly.
“In brief”
(CCC 2194) The institution of
Sunday helps all "to be allowed sufficient rest and leisure to cultivate
their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives" (GS 67 § 3). (CCC
2195) Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary
demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2186) Those Christians who have leisure should be
mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet
cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally
consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick,
the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting
time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other
days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the
mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life. (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).
Reflection
(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.
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