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A day of grace and rest from work.
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. 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 will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families 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 Sundays 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.
So if I work on Sunday, is it a sin and, if so, what type of sin because it really concerns me?
If I celebrate Mass and go to work will it be a sin?
Angel
{
If I work Sundays (or I go to Mass and work on Sundays) is it a sin; and if so, what type? }
Bob replied:
Angel,
Thanks for the question.
It is good that you are thinking about the implications of working on Sunday at this young age; most young people (even adults) don't think twice about it. Working on Sunday should be avoided unless it is necessary. As the Catechism reflects, it should be a day of rest and devotion to God. Some professions like police and emergency services need to work on Sundays, but if it can be avoided, it should.
Working on Sundays just to make extra cash is breaking the Sabbath, but if your job requires it in order to keep the job, and no better work is available, and you need to work to pay your bills, then it is acceptable. You still have to make your Sabbath happen and honor God by going to Sunday Mass (even if it is a Saturday Vigil Mass) and make sure when you do have a day off that you spend time with God as a priority.
Our Lady of La Salette admonished the people because they were not keeping the Sabbath and were working on Sundays. They were simply trying to maximize their yield and had little concern for God's command. God punishes that kind of attitude and she warned them to repent. We need to heed that and remember God is the Lord of the Sabbath and our respect for Him comes first. That's why there is a commandment to that effect.
So, when you are working out your schedule, make sure to advocate for yourself to fulfill your Sunday duties by going to Mass, honoring God through prayer and rest, and you will be okay, even if you have to work a shift on a Sunday.
If you can't make Mass, then you can't take the job.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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