11/JESUS
11/3 THIRD COMMAND, THE
LORD'S DAY
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS. Jesus died on the cross on Friday.
The following day was the Sabbath, a strict day of rest for the Jews. On Sunday
morning several women visited the tomb of Jesus only to discover that Jesus had
risen. Sunday became an important day for Christians as a memorial day of the
resurrection of Jesus. For this reason Sunday, and not Saturday, became the day
of rest as mandated by the third commandment.
SUNDAY MASS. The Acts of the Apostles state that St. Paul
gathered the Christians on the first day of the week, Sunday, to break bread,
that is to celebrated Mass. It was the custom from the early Church to do this.
Today the Church requires that all Catholics attend Mass on Sunday or in some
places on Saturday evening. It is very important because Catholics have the
opportunity to hear the Word of God, receive instruction on how to lead a good
life, thank God for his blessings, and receive the Eucharist for strength to
live as disciples of Jesus.
A DAY OF REST. In the biblical creation story it is stated
that after six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day. This was the
author's way of stressing the importance of rest. In the seven day week, this
commandment requires that one day, Sunday, be set aside as a day of rest. Rest
is a necessary help in maintaining one's health. Today on Sundays, with a few
exceptions, many stores are open. Despite this fact, one must try to refrain
from unnecessary work on the Lord's day.
The third commandment, "Keep holy the Lord's day."
