Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 353 – Part IV.

YOUCAT Question n. 353 - Part IV. Why do we worship God?

(Youcat answer - repeated) We worship God because he exists and because reverence and worship are the appropriate response to his revelation and his presence. “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Mt 4:10).    

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2103) The Church recognizes an exemplary value in the vows to practice the evangelical counsels (Cf. CIC, can. 654): Mother Church rejoices that she has within herself many men and women who pursue the Savior's self-emptying more closely and show it forth more clearly, by undertaking poverty with the freedom of the children of God, and renouncing their own will: they submit themselves to man for the sake of God, thus going beyond what is of precept in the matter of perfection, so as to conform themselves more fully to the obedient Christ (LG 42 § 2). The Church can, in certain cases and for proportionate reasons, dispense from vows and promises (Cf. CIC, cann. 692; 1196-1197).     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Worshipping God, however, is also beneficial to men, for it frees them from servitude to the powers of this world. When God is no longer worshipped and when he is no longer thought to be Lord over life and death, others assume that position and put human dignity at risk.   

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2104) "All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and his Church, and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it" (DH 1 § 2). This duty derives from "the very dignity of the human person" (DH 2 § 1). It does not contradict a "sincere respect" for different religions which frequently "reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men" (NA 2 § 2), nor the requirement of charity, which urges Christians "to treat with love, prudence and patience those who are in error or ignorance with regard to the faith" (DH 14 § 4).    

(This question: Why do we worship God? is continued)