> From: enerm@cris.com Subject: 3rd Commandment
> I am aware of the text book answer to what is commanded and
> forbiden by the third commandment, namely to keep holy the
> Lord's day, to attend Mass on Sunday, and to refrain from
> "servile" work. In pratical examples what would be or
> wouldn't be considered servile work? Thanks.
May I ask all who send me questions to answer if they will kindly
attach a human-sounding name to their messages. A nom-de-plume
is okay if you want to be anonymous, but I am not comfortable
writing to an "enerm...whatever". Religion, especially the
Catholic religion, is for men, women, and children ---Sid or
Gladys or Herman. It's not Star Wars, forsooth.
Both Old and New Testaments teach the holiness of the Sabbath,
the Lord's Day of Rest:
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you
shall labor, and to all your work; but the seven the day
is a sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not
do any work (Exodus 20:8-10).
The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so
the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches:
#2172 God's action is the model for human action. If God
"rested and was refreshed" on the seventh day, man too
ought to "rest" and should let others, especially the poor,
"be refreshed." The sabbath brings everyday work to a halt
and provides a respite. It is a day of protest against the
servitude of work and the worship of money.
After dealing with our need and duty to worship, CCC teaches:
A day of grace and rest from work
#2184 Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his
work which he had done, human life has a rhythm of work and
rest. The institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy
adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural,
social, and religious lives.
#2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the
faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that
hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's
Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate
relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social
service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday
rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do
not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and
health. (cf. Code of Canon Law, no. 1247)
The term "servile work" (work appropriate for slaves) has been
abandoned. It is not useful anymore for explaining the 3rd
commandment. The CCC continues:
#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 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.
#2187 Sanctifying Sunday 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.
#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 the "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn
who are enrolled in heaven."
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
--- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit ---
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