The third Commandment is to “Remember to keep holy the LORD’S Day.”1 Many Catholics love their faith but still do not care about this commandment. And yet, this is one of God’s most important commandments. It is so important, that the end of the world is dependent, in part, to how we observe this commandment.
Why it is important
It is important for three reasons.
The first reason is that the Lord’s Day (Sunday) is the day that Christ, the Lord, resurrected from the dead and achieved our salvation. As such, to honor the Lord’s Day is to be grateful to God.
The second reason is because God takes delight in you taking a break on Sunday. Hear these words from God as delivered by Isaiah.
If you turn back your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. – Isaiah 58:13-14
The third reason is because God takes offense in you not taking a break on Sunday. Hear these words from Our Lady when she appeared to Mélanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud at La Salette.
“How long I have suffered for you! If my Son is not to cast you off, I am obliged to entreat Him without ceasing. But you take no least notice of that. No matter how well you pray in future, no matter how well you act, you will never be able to make up to me what I have endured for your sake. ‘I have appointed for you six days for working. The seventh I have reserved for myself. And no one will give it to me.’ This is what causes the weight of my Son’s arm to be so crushing. The cart drivers cannot swear without bringing in my Son’s name. These are two things that make my Son’s arm so burdensome.”1 – Our Lady of La Salette
The forth reason is because Sunday is dedicated to attending the Mass. If you purposely miss Sunday Mass, it is a mortal sin. Missing Mass is like missing work. You might get fired (but the fire is hell). If you attend Mass, you receive grace and can live a more holy life.1
How to honor this day
Attend Mass
Prioritize Mass (unless you already went on Saturday evening) by observing the Eucharistic fast, dressing well for Mass, and really partaking in the Mass.1
Pray to God
Spend quality time with God in prayer. Talk to Him about your day and share with Him your journey.1
Rest and Recreation
Take a break from the work week, and enjoy some rest and recreation in both mind and body.
This is important to your spirit and God actually commands you rest!1
Celebrate with loved ones
Celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the gifts God has given you.1
Serve others
As Christ healed on the Sabbath, so too should we volunteer and help the poor.1
Defer unimportant work
Do not do any work that you could do on another day of the week such as email checks, laundry, yard work or chores.
And do not do things that would require others to do unnecessary work.
Attend to emergencies if they come up. Go to work if it is mandatory (police, hospital, making a living, etc).1