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Reflections of Caritas

September 4th, 2016 – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Kollin Petrie on Aug 31, 2016 11:55:22 AM

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” – Ps. 90:12

Quick quiz…can you recite the Third Commandment? As it is written in the Book of Exodus, “Remember the Sabbath day – keep it holy.” (20:8) This rule can also be found in another form as the very first precept of the Church: “You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligations and rest from servile labor.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2042)

faith_-blog_4-1.jpgRemember the Sabbath day – keep it holy.”

Of all the commandments, the Third is the one that we seem to let slide most easily. Even if we attend Mass on Sunday, we frequently devote the rest of the day to athletic practices, various household chores and other tasks. How often do you see someone mowing the lawn on a Sunday afternoon? How often do you spend Sunday shopping for groceries or other items? I admit that I am guilty of this. 

Why is the Sabbath so sacred? Recall the scriptural story of creation:

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord has blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exodus 20:11)

Additionally, for the Israelites, the Sabbath commemorated God’s action to liberate them from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). It signified the covenant between the Lord and his people (Exodus 31:16). 

Christians moved the ceremonial observance of the sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, because Jesus rose from the dead “on the first day of the week”.(Mark 16:2) The Catechism tells us that the Resurrection fulfilled the salvific promises for the Israelite people and ushered in a new creation, making Sunday the “first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord’s Day”.(#2174) For all these reasons, the Sabbath – the Lord’s Day – should be set aside for the praise and worship of God. 

So, what are some practical ways to keep the sabbath holy? First of all, go to Mass. This Holy Sacrifice is the highest form of worship and thanksgiving that we can offer to the God who created and redeemed us. 

Second, spend some time with the Lord in silent prayer. Prayer is the only way our relationship with Him can grow. If we spend all of Sunday watching football and no time in prayer, then we haven’t set the day aside for God. 

Third, save the errands for tomorrow and just spend time with your family. Plan ahead so that you don’t have to pick up groceries or other items on Sunday. Even just a few decades ago most stores would have been closed on Sunday. This gave both consumers and employees a chance to rest and spend time with loved ones. Now many employees are stuck working on this “day of rest”. By changing our shopping habits we can take a small step towards shifting this secular culture. 

Finally, share God’s love through service. Jesus said, “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath”. (Matthew 12:12) Volunteer with your family or parish at a community outreach, such as a soup kitchen or meal program. Visit the elderly and sick residents of an assisted living facility. Write a letter to your CARITAS sponsored child. Keep the Sabbath holy by serving the Lord and loving one another!


Merciful Father, please forgive us for the times we have forgotten you on the Sabbath. Make us holy, as You are holy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

About this blog

Kollin Petrie's blog reflects on his experiences with CARITAS & also on the core mission of CARITAS: Jesus' calling to "Love One Another." Besides blogging for CARITAS, Collin is also a Youth Minister in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Kollin_Petrie_Profile_Picture_smaller

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