Faith Series, episode 141

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

WHAT ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?

[CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PART THREE, LIFE IN CHRIST] – PART VI

For Christians no event in salvation history is more important than the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, and glorification. Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of a new creation, the promise of our own eternal life. It took place on Sunday, the first day of the week. Sunday is properly call the Lord’s Day.

Christians assemble on Sunday to commemorate his Passover, to obey his command to break bread in his name, to worship, praise and thank God for the gift of his Son and all the divine blessings on us. From the time of the apostles, Christians have observed the moral commandment of the Old covenant by worshipping God publicly at the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day. Sunday is the preeminent holy day that commemorates God’s decisive act for us through Jesus.

Today, Catholics continue to assemble on Sunday or the Sunday vigil (Saturday evening) in parish communities, led by pastors, to express, celebrate and deepen our unity in Christ. We celebrate the Eucharist in obedience to Christ. In the Eucharist we derive the nourishment of the Living Lord Himself in order to live a Christian life both as individuals and in community.

Q10. How is the Sunday obligation binding?

Church law requires Catholics to participate in the Sunday Mass or its vigil and all other holy days of obligation. The Eucharist is the foundation and heart of Christian life. To participate in the Eucharistic celebration is to testify publicly that we belong to Jesus and are members of his body, the Church. It is the preeminent opportunity to worship God as Jesus mandated, to derive strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit and spiritual life from the resurrected Lord. Because of the central importance of the Eucharist to Catholic and the Church’s life, we have a serious obligation to participate in the Mass on Sundays and Holy days, unless excused for a proportionately serious reason like sickness or infant care or dispensation of one’s own pastor. Deliberately failing to observe this duty is morally sinful.