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3rd Commandment: Keep holy the Sabbath Day.

Have I missed Mass through my own fault, on Sundays or on Holy Days?

Have I allowed my children to miss Mass?

Do I notice others missing Mass or working unnecessarily without lovingly reminding them to take time for God?

Do I do work on the Lord’s Day that could be handled later or that doesn’t need to get done at all? This is supposed to be a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money.

Do I place extra burdens on other people on Sunday?

Do I take for granted Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist, or do I disagree that the bread and wine actually become Jesus?

During Mass, do I fail to reverence God by neglecting to genuflect or kneel? By wearing lewd clothing? By arriving late or leaving early without a holy reason? By speaking disrespectfully of or to others? By allowing myself to be easily distracted? By any other means?

Am I transformed by Jesus when I receive Him in the Word and in the Eucharist, or do I leave Mass the same as I came in?

Have I neglected my obligation to go to Confession at least once a year, but received Communion regardless?

When have I failed to treat others as if they were Jesus Himself?

I sanctify Sunday when I devote the time to my family and friends, and by using it for reflection and to cultivate my mind and spirit. When have I cheated my family, my friends and myself of this?

Am I a workaholic, placing tasks above people, or a busy schedule above the need to relax? Am I unkind to myself by not balancing recreation with work?

Do I choose to get involved in leisure activities that are violent, sinful, or unloving?

Each day is a holy day, created by God for my benefit. When have I failed to make each moment a holy moment?

Next • 4th Commandment

© 2000 by Terry A. Modica
A printable version is available at the end.

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Books by Terry Modica

Knowing God's Will
and Doing It Well

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My Soul
Shall Be Healed

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3-part series on
the Father's Heart

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Victor
(Terry's novel)

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