From the Catechism (2041-2043):
The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:
1. "You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor"
Requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principle liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.
2. "You shall confess your sins at least once a year"
Ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.
3. "You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season"
Guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.
4. "You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church"
Ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
5. "You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church"
Means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.
This is a good opportunity to examine your concisous...Are you following these? Do you work on Sundays and Holy Days? When was the last time you received the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Are you supporting the Church financially and spiritually as much as God has called you to?
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Precepts of the Church
From the Catechism (2041-2043):
The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:
1. "You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor"
Requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principle liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.
2. "You shall confess your sins at least once a year"
Ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.
3. "You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season"
Guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.
4. "You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church"
Ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
5. "You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church"
Means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.
This is a good opportunity to examine your concisous...Are you following these? Do you work on Sundays and Holy Days? When was the last time you received the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Are you supporting the Church financially and spiritually as much as God has called you to?
