APOSTOLICLETTER DIESDOMINI OFTHEHOLYFATHER JOHNPAULII TOTHEBISHOPS,CLERGYANDFAITHFUL OFTHECATHOLICCHURCH ONKEEPINGTHELORDSDAYHOLY MyesteemedBrothersintheEpiscopate andthePriesthood, DearBrothersandSisters! 1.TheLordsDayasSundaywascalledfromApostolic times(1)hasalwaysbeenaccordedspecialattentionin thehistoryoftheChurchbecauseofitscloseconnection withtheverycoreoftheChristianmystery.

tery.Infact,inthe weeklyreckoningoftimeSundayrecallsthedayof ChristsResurrection.ItisEasterwhichreturnsweekby week,celebratingChristsvictoryoversinanddeath,the fulfilmentinhimofthefirstcreationandthedawnofthe

newcreation(cf.2Cor5:17).Itisthedaywhichrecallsin gratefuladorationtheworldsfirstdayandlooksforward inactivehopetothelastday,whenChristwillcomein glory(cf.Acts1:11;1Th4:1317)andallthingswillbe madenew(cf.Rev21:5). Rightly,then,thePsalmistscryisappliedtoSunday: ThisisthedaywhichtheLordhasmade:letusrejoice andbegladinit(Ps118:24).Thisinvitationtojoy,which theEasterliturgymakesitsown,reflectstheastonishment whichcameoverthewomenwho,havingseenthe crucifixionofChrist,foundthetombemptywhenthey wentthereveryearlyonthefirstdayaftertheSabbath (Mk16:2).Itisaninvitationtoreliveinsomewaythe experienceofthetwodisciplesofEmmaus,whofelttheir heartsburnwithinthemastheRisenOnewalkedwith themontheroad,explainingtheScripturesandrevealing himselfinthebreakingofthebread(cf.Lk24:32,35). Anditechoesthejoyatfirstuncertainandthen overwhelmingwhichtheApostlesexperiencedonthe eveningofthatsameday,whentheywerevisitedbythe RisenJesusandreceivedthegiftofhispeaceandofhis Spirit(cf.Jn20:1923).

 2.TheResurrectionofJesusisthefundamentalevent uponwhichChristianfaithrests(cf.1Cor15:14).Itisan astonishingreality,fullygraspedinthelightoffaith,yet historicallyattestedtobythosewhowereprivilegedtosee theRisenLord.Itisawondrouseventwhichisnotonly absolutelyuniqueinhumanhistory,butwhichliesatthe veryheartofthemysteryoftime.Infact,alltimebelongs to[Christ]andalltheages,astheevocativeliturgyofthe EasterVigilrecallsinpreparingthePaschalCandle. Therefore,incommemoratingthedayofChrists ResurrectionnotjustonceayearbuteverySunday,the Churchseekstoindicatetoeverygenerationthetrue fulcrumofhistory,towhichthemysteryoftheworlds originanditsfinaldestinyleads. Itisright,therefore,toclaim,inthewordsofafourth centuryhomily,thattheLordsDayisthelordof days.(2)Thosewhohavereceivedthegraceoffaithinthe RisenLordcannotfailtograspthesignificanceofthisday oftheweekwiththesamedeepemotionwhichledSaint Jerometosay:SundayisthedayoftheResurrection,itis thedayofChristians,itisourday.(3)ForChristians,

Sundayisthefundamentalfeastday,(4)establishednot onlytomarkthesuccessionoftimebuttorevealtimes deepermeaning. 3.ThefundamentalimportanceofSundayhasbeen recognizedthroughtwothousandyearsofhistoryand wasemphaticallyrestatedbytheSecondVaticanCouncil: Everysevendays,theChurchcelebratestheEaster mystery.ThisisatraditiongoingbacktotheApostles, takingitsoriginfromtheactualdayofChrists Resurrectionadaythusappropriatelydesignatedthe LordsDay.(5)PaulVIemphasizedthisimportanceonce morewhenheapprovedthenewGeneralRoman CalendarandtheUniversalNormswhichregulatethe orderingoftheLiturgicalYear.(6)ThecomingoftheThird Millennium,whichcallsbelieverstoreflectuponthe courseofhistoryinthelightofChrist,alsoinvitesthemto rediscoverwithnewintensitythemeaningofSunday:its mystery,itscelebration,itssignificanceforChristianand humanlife. InotewithpleasurethatintheyearssincetheCouncilthis importantthemehaspromptednotonlymany

interventionsbyyou,dearBrotherBishops,asteachersof thefaith,butalsodifferentpastoralstrategieswhich withthesupportofyourclergyyouhavedeveloped eitherindividuallyorjointly.Onthethresholdofthe GreatJubileeoftheYear2000,ithasbeenmywishtooffer youthisApostolicLetterinordertosupportyourpastoral effortsinthisvitalarea.ButatthesametimeIwishtoturn toallofyou,Christsfaithful,asthoughIwerespiritually presentinallthecommunitiesinwhichyougatherwith yourPastorseachSundaytocelebratetheEucharistand theLordsDay.Manyoftheinsightsandintuitions whichpromptthisApostolicLetterhavegrownfrommy episcopalserviceinKrakowand,sincethetimewhenI assumedtheministryofBishopofRomeandSuccessorof Peter,inthevisitstotheRomanparisheswhichIhave maderegularlyontheSundaysofthedifferentseasonsof theLiturgicalYear.IseethisLetterascontinuingthe livelyexchangewhichIamalwayshappytohavewiththe faithful,asIreflectwithyouonthemeaningofSunday andunderlinethereasonsforlivingSundayastrulythe LordsDay,alsointhechangingcircumstancesofour owntimes.

4.Untilquiterecently,itwaseasierintraditionally ChristiancountriestokeepSundayholybecauseitwasan almostuniversalpracticeandbecause,eveninthe organizationofcivilsociety,Sundayrestwasconsidereda fixedpartoftheworkschedule.Today,however,evenin thosecountrieswhichgivelegalsanctiontothefestive characterofSunday,changesinsocioeconomicconditions haveoftenledtoprofoundmodificationsofsocial behaviourandhenceofthecharacterofSunday.The customoftheweekendhasbecomemorewidespread,a weeklyperiodofrespite,spentperhapsfarfromhome andofteninvolvingparticipationincultural,politicalor sportingactivitieswhichareusuallyheldonfreedays. Thissocialandculturalphenomenonisbynomeans withoutitspositiveaspectsif,whilerespectingtrue values,itcancontributetopeoplesdevelopmentandto theadvancementofthelifeofsocietyasawhole.Allof thisrespondsnotonlytotheneedforrest,butalsotothe needforcelebrationwhichisinherentinourhumanity. Unfortunately,whenSundaylosesitsfundamental meaningandbecomesmerelypartofaweekend,itcan happenthatpeoplestaylockedwithinahorizonso limitedthattheycannolongerseetheheavens.(7)

Hence,thoughreadytocelebrate,theyarereallyincapable ofdoingso. ThedisciplesofChrist,however,areaskedtoavoidany confusionbetweenthecelebrationofSunday,which shouldtrulybeawayofkeepingtheLordsDayholy,and theweekend,understoodasatimeofsimplerestand relaxation.Thiswillrequireagenuinespiritualmaturity, whichwillenableChristianstobewhattheyare,infull accordancewiththegiftoffaith,alwaysreadytogivean accountofthehopewhichisinthem(cf.1Pt3:15).Inthis way,theywillbeledtoadeeperunderstandingof Sunday,withtheresultthat,evenindifficultsituations, theywillbeabletoliveitincompletedocilitytotheHoly Spirit. 5.Fromthisperspective,thesituationappearssomewhat mixed.Ontheonehand,thereistheexampleofsome youngChurches,whichshowhowferventlySundaycan becelebrated,whetherinurbanareasorinwidely scatteredvillages.Bycontrast,inotherpartsoftheworld, becauseofthesociologicalpressuresalreadynoted,and perhapsbecausethemotivationoffaithisweak,the

percentageofthoseattendingtheSundayliturgyis strikinglylow.Inthemindsofmanyofthefaithful,not onlythesenseofthecentralityoftheEucharistbuteven thesenseofthedutytogivethankstotheLordandto praytohimwithothersinthecommunityoftheChurch, seemstobediminishing. Itisalsotruethatbothinmissioncountriesandin countriesevangelizedlongagothelackofpriestsissuch thatthecelebrationoftheSundayEucharistcannotalways beguaranteedineverycommunity. 6.Giventhisarrayofnewsituationsandthequestions whichtheyprompt,itseemsmorenecessarythaneverto recoverthedeepdoctrinalfoundationsunderlyingthe Churchsprecept,sothattheabidingvalueofSundayin theChristianlifewillbecleartoallthefaithful.Indoing this,wefollowinthefootstepsoftheageoldtraditionof theChurch,powerfullyrestatedbytheSecondVatican CouncilinitsteachingthatonSundayChristianbelievers shouldcometogether,inordertocommemoratethe suffering,ResurrectionandgloryoftheLordJesus,by hearingGodsWordandsharingtheEucharist,andto

givethankstoGodwhohasgiventhemnewbirthtoa livinghopethroughtheResurrectionofJesusChristfrom thedead(cf.1Pt1:3).(8) 7.ThedutytokeepSundayholy,especiallybysharingin theEucharistandbyrelaxinginaspiritofChristianjoy andfraternity,iseasilyunderstoodifweconsiderthe manydifferentaspectsofthisdayuponwhichthepresent Letterwillfocusourattention. SundayisadaywhichisattheveryheartoftheChristian life.FromthebeginningofmyPontificate,Ihavenot ceasedtorepeat:Donotbeafraid!Open,openwidethe doorstoChrist!.(9)Inthesameway,todayIwould stronglyurgeeveryonetorediscoverSunday:Donotbe afraidtogiveyourtimetoChrist!Yes,letusopenour timetoChrist,thathemaycastlightuponitandgiveit direction.HeistheOnewhoknowsthesecretoftimeand thesecretofeternity,andhegivesushisdayasanever newgiftofhislove.Therediscoveryofthisdayisagrace whichwemustimplore,notonlysothatwemaylivethe demandsoffaithtothefull,butalsosothatwemay respondconcretelytothedeepesthumanyearnings.Time

giventoChristisnevertimelost,butisrathertimegained, sothatourrelationshipsandindeedourwholelifemay becomemoreprofoundlyhuman. CHAPTERI DIESDOMINI TheCelebrationoftheCreatorsWork Throughhimallthingsweremade(Jn1:3) 8.FortheChristian,SundayisaboveallanEaster celebration,whollyilluminedbythegloryoftheRisen Christ.Itisthefestivalofthenewcreation.Yet,when understoodindepth,thisaspectisinseparablefromwhat thefirstpagesofScripturetellusoftheplanofGodinthe creationoftheworld.ItistruethattheWordwasmade fleshinthefullnessoftime(Gal4:4);butitisalsotrue that,invirtueofthemysteryofhisidentityastheeternal

SonoftheFather,heistheoriginandendoftheuniverse. AsJohnwritesinthePrologueofhisGospel:Through himallthingsweremade,andwithouthimwasmade nothingthatwasmade(1:3).Paultoostressesthisin writingtotheColossians:Inhimallthingswerecreated, inheavenandonearth,visibleandinvisible....Allthings werecreatedthroughhimandforhim(1:16).Thisactive presenceoftheSoninthecreativeworkofGodisrevealed fullyinthePaschalMystery,inwhichChrist,risingasthe firstfruitsofthosewhohadfallenasleep(1Cor15:20), establishedthenewcreationandbegantheprocesswhich hehimselfwillbringtocompletionwhenhereturnsin glorytodeliverthekingdomtoGodtheFather...,sothat Godmaybeeverythingtoeveryone(1Cor15:24,28). Alreadyatthedawnofcreation,therefore,theplanofGod impliedChristscosmicmission.ThisChristocentric perspective,embracingthewholearcoftime,filledGods wellpleasedgazewhen,ceasingfromallhiswork,he blessedtheseventhdayandmadeitholy(Gn2:3). AccordingtothePriestlywriterofthefirstbiblical creationstory,thenwasborntheSabbath,so characteristicofthefirstCovenant,andwhichinsome

waysforetellsthesacreddayofthenewandfinal Covenant.ThethemeofGodsrest(cf.Gn2:2)andthe restwhichheofferedtothepeopleoftheExoduswhen theyenteredthePromisedLand(cf.Ex33:14;Dt3:20;12:9; Jos21:44;Ps95:11)isrereadintheNewTestamentinthe lightofthedefinitiveSabbathrest(Heb4:9)intowhich ChristhimselfhasenteredbyhisResurrection.ThePeople ofGodarecalledtoenterintothissamerestby perseveringinChristsexampleoffilialobedience(cf.Heb 4:316).InordertograspfullythemeaningofSunday, therefore,wemustrereadthegreatstoryofcreationand deepenourunderstandingofthetheologyofthe Sabbath. Inthebeginning,Godcreatedtheheavensandtheearth (Gn1:1) 9.ThepoeticstyleoftheGenesisstoryconveyswellthe awewhichpeoplefeelbeforetheimmensityofcreation andtheresultingsenseofadorationoftheOnewho broughtallthingsintobeingfromnothing.Itisastoryof intensereligioussignificance,ahymntotheCreatorofthe universe,pointingtohimastheonlyLordinthefaceof

recurringtemptationstodivinizetheworlditself.Atthe sametime,itisahymntothegoodnessofcreation,all fashionedbythemightyandmercifulhandofGod. Godsawthatitwasgood(Gn1:10,12,etc.).Punctuating thestoryasitdoes,thisrefrainshedsapositivelightupon everyelementoftheuniverseandrevealsthesecretfora properunderstandingofitandforitseventual regeneration:theworldisgoodinsofarasitremainstied toitsoriginand,afterbeingdisfiguredbysin,itisagain madegoodwhen,withthehelpofgrace,itreturnstothe Onewhomadeit.Itisclearthatthisprocessdirectly concernsnotinanimateobjectsandanimalsbuthuman beings,whohavebeenendowedwiththeincomparable giftandriskoffreedom.Immediatelyafterthecreation stories,theBiblehighlightsthedramaticcontrastbetween thegrandeurofman,createdintheimageandlikenessof God,andthefallofman,whichunleashesontheworld thedarknessofsinanddeath(cf.Gn3). 10.ComingasitdoesfromthehandofGod,thecosmos bearstheimprintofhisgoodness.Itisabeautifulworld, rightlymovingustoadmirationanddelight,butalso

callingforcultivationanddevelopment.Atthe completionofGodswork,theworldisreadyforhuman activity.OntheseventhdayGodfinishedhisworkwhich hehaddone,andherestedontheseventhdayfromallhis workwhichhehaddone(Gn2:2).Withthis anthropomorphicimageofGodswork,theBiblenot onlygivesusaglimpseofthemysteriousrelationship betweentheCreatorandthecreatedworld,butalsocasts lightuponthetaskofhumanbeingsinrelationtothe cosmos.TheworkofGodisinsomewaysanexample forman,callednotonlytoinhabitthecosmos,butalsoto builditandthusbecomeGodscoworker.AsIwrote inmyEncyclicalLaboremExercens,thefirstchaptersof Genesisconstituteinasensethefirstgospelofwork.(10) ThisisatruthwhichtheSecondVaticanCouncilalso stressed:CreatedinGodsimage,manwascommissioned tosubduetheearthandallitcontains,toruletheworldin justiceandholiness,and,recognizingGodasthecreatorof allthings,toreferhimselfandthetotalityofthingstoGod sothatwitheverythingsubjecttoGod,thedivinename wouldbeglorifiedinalltheearth.(11)

Theexhilaratingadvanceofscience,technologyand cultureintheirvariousformsanevermorerapidand todayevenoverwhelmingdevelopmentisthehistorical consequenceofthemissionbywhichGodentruststoman andwomanthetaskandresponsibilityoffillingtheearth andsubduingitbymeansoftheirwork,intheobservance ofGodsLaw. Shabbat:theCreatorsjoyfulrest 11.IfthefirstpageoftheBookofGenesispresentsGods workasanexampleforman,thesameistrueofGods rest:OntheseventhdayGodfinishedhisworkwhich hehaddone(Gn2:2).Heretoowefindan anthropomorphismchargedwithawealthofmeaning. ItwouldbebanaltointerpretGodsrestasakindof divineinactivity.Byitsnature,thecreativeactwhich foundstheworldisunceasingandGodisalwaysatwork, asJesushimselfdeclaresinspeakingoftheSabbath precept:MyFatherisworkingstill,andIamworking(Jn 5:17).Thedivinerestoftheseventhdaydoesnotalludeto aninactiveGod,butemphasizesthefullnessofwhathas

beenaccomplished.Itspeaks,asitwere,ofGods lingeringbeforetheverygoodwork(Gn1:31)whichhis handhaswrought,inordertocastuponitagazefullof joyousdelight.Thisisacontemplativegazewhichdoes notlooktonewaccomplishmentsbutenjoysthebeautyof whathasalreadybeenachieved.ItisagazewhichGod castsuponallthings,butinaspecialwayuponman,the crownofcreation.Itisagazewhichalreadydiscloses somethingofthenuptialshapeoftherelationshipwhich Godwantstoestablishwiththecreaturemadeinhisown image,bycallingthatcreaturetoenterapactoflove.This iswhatGodwillgraduallyaccomplish,inoffering salvationtoallhumanitythroughthesavingcovenant madewithIsraelandfulfilledinChrist.Itwillbethe WordIncarnate,throughtheeschatologicalgiftofthe HolySpiritandtheconfigurationoftheChurchashis BodyandBride,whowillextendtoallhumanitytheoffer ofmercyandthecalloftheFatherslove. 12.IntheCreatorsplan,thereisbothadistinctionanda closelinkbetweentheorderofcreationandtheorderof salvation.ThisisemphasizedintheOldTestament,when itlinkstheshabbatcommandmentnotonlywithGods

mysteriousrestafterthedaysofcreation(cf.Ex20:811), butalsowiththesalvationwhichheofferstoIsraelinthe liberationfromtheslaveryofEgypt(cf.Dt5:1215).The Godwhorestsontheseventhday,rejoicinginhis creation,isthesameGodwhorevealshisgloryin liberatinghischildrenfromPharaohsoppression. AdoptinganimagedeartotheProphets,onecouldsay thatinbothcasesGodrevealshimselfasthebridegroom beforethebride(cf.Hos2:1624;Jer2:2;Is54:48). AscertainelementsofthesameJewishtradition suggest,(12)toreachtheheartoftheshabbat,ofGods rest,weneedtorecognizeinboththeOldandtheNew Testamentthenuptialintensitywhichmarksthe relationshipbetweenGodandhispeople.Hosea,for instance,putsitthusinthismarvellouspassage:Iwill makeforyouacovenantonthatdaywiththebeastsofthe field,thebirdsoftheair,andthecreepingthingsofthe ground;andIwillabolishthebow,thesword,andwar fromtheland;andIwillmakeyouliedowninsafety.And Iwillbetrothyoutomeforever;Iwillbetrothyoutome inrighteousnessandinjustice,insteadfastloveandin

mercy.Iwillbetrothyoutomeinfaithfulness;andyou shallknowtheLord(2:1820). Godblessedtheseventhdayandmadeitholy(Gn2:3) 13.TheSabbathprecept,whichinthefirstCovenant preparesfortheSundayofthenewandeternalCovenant, isthereforerootedinthedepthsofGodsplan.Thisis why,unlikemanyotherprecepts,itissetnotwithinthe contextofstrictlyculticstipulationsbutwithinthe Decalogue,thetenwordswhichrepresentthevery pillarsofthemorallifeinscribedonthehumanheart.In settingthiscommandmentwithinthecontextofthebasic structureofethics,IsraelandthentheChurchdeclarethat theyconsideritnotjustamatterofcommunityreligious disciplinebutadefiningandindelibleexpressionofour relationshipwithGod,announcedandexpoundedby biblicalrevelation.Thisistheperspectivewithinwhich Christiansneedtorediscoverthisprecepttoday.Although thepreceptmaymergenaturallywiththehumanneedfor rest,itisfaithalonewhichgivesaccesstoitsdeeper meaningandensuresthatitwillnotbecomebanaland trivialized.

 14.Inthefirstplace,therefore,Sundayisthedayofrest becauseitisthedayblessedbyGodandmadeholyby him,setapartfromtheotherdaystobe,amongallof them,theLordsDay. Inordertograspfullywhatthefirstofthebiblicalcreation accountsmeansbykeepingtheSabbathholy,weneedto considerthewholestory,whichshowsclearlyhowevery reality,withoutexception,mustbereferredbacktoGod. Timeandspacebelongtohim.HeisnottheGodofone dayalone,buttheGodofallthedaysofhumanity. Therefore,ifGodsanctifiestheseventhdaywitha specialblessingandmakesithisdayparexcellence,this mustbeunderstoodwithinthedeepdynamicofthe dialogueoftheCovenant,indeedthedialogueof marriage.Thisisthedialogueoflovewhichknowsno interruption,yetisnevermonotonous.Infact,itemploys thedifferentregistersoflove,fromtheordinaryand indirecttothosemoreintense,whichthewordsof Scriptureandthewitnessofsomanymysticsdonot

hesitatetodescribeinimagerydrawnfromtheexperience ofmarriedlove. 15.Allhumanlife,andthereforeallhumantime,must becomepraiseoftheCreatorandthanksgivingtohim.But mansrelationshipwithGodalsodemandstimesof explicitprayer,inwhichtherelationshipbecomesan intensedialogue,involvingeverydimensionofthe person.TheLordsDayisthedayofthisrelationshippar excellencewhenmenandwomenraisetheirsongtoGod andbecomethevoiceofallcreation. Thisispreciselywhyitisalsothedayofrest.Speaking vividlyasitdoesofrenewalanddetachment,the interruptionoftheoftenoppressiverhythmofwork expressesthedependenceofmanandthecosmosupon God.EverythingbelongstoGod!TheLordsDayreturns againandagaintodeclarethisprinciplewithintheweekly reckoningoftime.TheSabbathhasthereforebeen interpretedevocativelyasadeterminingelementinthe kindofsacredarchitectureoftimewhichmarksbiblical revelation.(13)Itrecallsthattheuniverseandhistory belongtoGod;andwithoutaconstantawarenessofthat

truth,mancannotserveintheworldascoworkerofthe Creator. Tokeepholybyremembering 16.ThecommandmentoftheDecaloguebywhichGod decreestheSabbathobservanceisformulatedintheBook ofExodusinadistinctiveway:RemembertheSabbath dayinordertokeepitholy(20:8).Andtheinspiredtext goesontogivethereasonforthis,recallingasitdoesthe workofGod:ForinsixdaystheLordmadeheavenand earth,thesea,andallthatisinthem,andrestedonthe seventhday;thereforetheLordblessedtheSabbathday andmadeitholy(v.11).Beforedecreeingthatsomething bedone,thecommandmenturgesthatsomethingbe remembered.Itisacalltoawakenremembranceofthe grandandfundamentalworkofGodwhichiscreation,a remembrancewhichmustinspiretheentirereligiouslife ofmanandthenfillthedayonwhichmaniscalledtorest. Restthereforeacquiresasacredvalue:thefaithfulare calledtorestnotonlyasGodrested,buttorestinthe Lord,bringingtheentirecreationtohim,inpraiseand thanksgiving,intimateasachildandfriendlyasaspouse.

 17.TheconnectionbetweenSabbathrestandthethemeof rememberingGodswondersisfoundalsointheBookof Deuteronomy(5:1215),wherethepreceptisgrounded lessintheworkofcreationthanintheworkofliberation accomplishedbyGodintheExodus:Youshallremember thatyouwereaslaveinthelandofEgypt,andtheLord yourGodbroughtyououtfromtherewithmightyhand andoutstretchedarm;thereforetheLordyourGod commandedyoutokeeptheSabbathday(Dt5:15). Thisformulationcomplementstheonewehavealready seen;andtakentogether,thetworevealthemeaningof theLordsDaywithinasingletheologicalvisionwhich fusescreationandsalvation.Therefore,themainpointof thepreceptisnotjustanykindofinterruptionofwork, butthecelebrationofthemarvelswhichGodhas wrought. Insofarasthisremembranceisalive,fullofthanksgiving andofthepraiseofGod,humanrestontheLordsDay takesonitsfullmeaning.Itisthenthatmanentersthe depthsofGodsrestandcanexperienceatremorofthe

Creatorsjoywhen,afterthecreation,hesawthatallhe hadmadewasverygood(Gn1:31). FromtheSabbathtoSunday 18.BecausetheThirdCommandmentdependsuponthe remembranceofGodssavingworksandbecause ChristianssawthedefinitivetimeinauguratedbyChrist asanewbeginning,theymadethefirstdayafterthe Sabbathafestiveday,forthatwasthedayonwhichthe Lordrosefromthedead.ThePaschalMysteryofChristis thefullrevelationofthemysteryoftheworldsorigin,the climaxofthehistoryofsalvationandtheanticipationof theeschatologicalfulfilmentoftheworld.WhatGod accomplishedinCreationandwroughtforhisPeoplein theExodushasfounditsfullestexpressioninChrists DeathandResurrection,thoughitsdefinitivefulfilment willnotcomeuntiltheParousia,whenChristreturnsin glory.Inhim,thespiritualmeaningoftheSabbathis fullyrealized,asSaintGregorytheGreatdeclares:Forus, thetrueSabbathisthepersonofourRedeemer,ourLord JesusChrist.(14)ThisiswhythejoywithwhichGod,on humanitysfirstSabbath,contemplatesallthatwascreated

fromnothing,isnowexpressedinthejoywithwhich Christ,onEasterSunday,appearedtohisdisciples, bringingthegiftofpeaceandthegiftoftheSpirit(cf.Jn 20:1923).ItwasinthePaschalMysterythathumanity, andwithitthewholecreation,groaninginbirthpangs untilnow(Rom8:22),cametoknowitsnewexodusinto thefreedomofGodschildrenwhocancryoutwith Christ,Abba,Father!(Rom8:15;Gal4:6).Inthelightof thismystery,themeaningoftheOldTestamentprecept concerningtheLordsDayisrecovered,perfectedand fullyrevealedintheglorywhichshinesonthefaceofthe RisenChrist(cf.2Cor4:6).WemovefromtheSabbathto thefirstdayaftertheSabbath,fromtheseventhdayto thefirstday:thediesDominibecomesthediesChristi! CHAPTERII DIESCHRISTI TheDayoftheRisenLord

andoftheGift oftheHolySpirit TheweeklyEaster 19.WecelebrateSundaybecauseofthevenerable ResurrectionofourLordJesusChrist,andwedosonot onlyatEasterbutalsoateachturningoftheweek:so wrotePopeInnocentIatthebeginningofthefifth century,(15)testifyingtoanalreadywellestablished practicewhichhadevolvedfromtheearlyyearsafterthe LordsResurrection.SaintBasilspeaksofholySunday, honouredbytheLordsResurrection,thefirstfruitsofall theotherdays;(16)andSaintAugustinecallsSundaya sacramentofEaster.(17) TheintimatebondbetweenSundayandtheResurrection oftheLordisstronglyemphasizedbyalltheChurchesof EastandWest.InthetraditionoftheEasternChurchesin particular,everySundayistheanastsimoshemra,the dayofResurrection,(18)andthisiswhyitstandsatthe heartofallworship.

Inthelightofthisconstantanduniversaltradition,itis clearthat,althoughtheLordsDayisrootedinthevery workofcreationandevenmoreinthemysteryofthe biblicalrestofGod,itisnonethelesstotheResurrection ofChristthatwemustlookinordertounderstandfully theLordsDay.ThisiswhattheChristianSundaydoes, leadingthefaithfuleachweektoponderandlivethe eventofEaster,truesourceoftheworldssalvation. 20.AccordingtothecommonwitnessoftheGospels,the ResurrectionofJesusChristfromthedeadtookplaceon thefirstdayaftertheSabbath(Mk16:2,9;Lk24:1;Jn 20:1).Onthesameday,theRisenLordappearedtothe twodisciplesofEmmaus(cf.Lk24:1335)andtothe elevenApostlesgatheredtogether(cf.Lk24:36;Jn20:19). AweeklaterastheGospelofJohnrecounts(cf.20:26) thedisciplesweregatheredtogetheronceagain,when Jesusappearedtothemandmadehimselfknownto ThomasbyshowinghimthesignsofhisPassion.Theday ofPentecostthefirstdayoftheeighthweekafterthe JewishPassover(cf.Acts2:1),whenthepromisemadeby JesustotheApostlesaftertheResurrectionwasfulfilled bytheoutpouringoftheHolySpirit(cf.Lk24:49;Acts1:4

5)alsofellonaSunday.Thiswasthedayofthefirst proclamationandthefirstbaptisms:Peterannouncedto theassembledcrowdthatChristwasrisenandthosewho receivedhiswordwerebaptized(Acts2:41).Thiswasthe epiphanyoftheChurch,revealedasthepeopleintowhich aregatheredinunity,beyondalltheirdifferences,the scatteredchildrenofGod. Thefirstdayoftheweek 21.Itwasforthisreasonthat,fromApostolictimes,the firstdayaftertheSabbath,thefirstdayoftheweek, begantoshapetherhythmoflifeforChristsdisciples(cf. 1Cor16:2).ThefirstdayaftertheSabbathwasalsothe dayuponwhichthefaithfulofTroasweregatheredfor thebreakingofbread,whenPaulbadethemfarewelland miraculouslyrestoredtheyoungEutychustolife(cf.Acts 20:712).TheBookofRevelationgivesevidenceofthe practiceofcallingthefirstdayoftheweektheLords Day(1:10).Thiswouldnowbeacharacteristic distinguishingChristiansfromtheworldaroundthem.As earlyasthebeginningofthesecondcentury,itwasnoted byPlinytheYounger,governorofBithynia,inhisreport

ontheChristianpracticeofgatheringtogetheronaset daybeforesunriseandsingingamongthemselvesahymn toChristastoagod.(19)AndwhenChristiansspokeof theLordsDay,theydidsogivingtothistermthefull senseoftheEasterproclamation:JesusChristisLord (Phil2:11;cf.Acts2:36;1Cor12:3).ThusChristwasgiven thesametitlewhichtheSeptuagintusedtotranslatewhat intherevelationoftheOldTestamentwastheunutterable nameofGod:YHWH. 22.InthoseearlyChristiantimes,theweeklyrhythmof dayswasgenerallynotpartoflifeintheregionswherethe Gospelspread,andthefestivedaysoftheGreekand RomancalendarsdidnotcoincidewiththeChristian Sunday.ForChristians,therefore,itwasverydifficultto observetheLordsDayonasetdayeachweek.This explainswhythefaithfulhadtogatherbeforesunrise.(20) Yetfidelitytotheweeklyrhythmbecamethenorm,since itwasbasedupontheNewTestamentandwastiedtoOld Testamentrevelation.Thisiseagerlyunderscoredbythe ApologistsandtheFathersoftheChurchintheirwritings andpreachingwhere,inspeakingofthePaschalMystery, theyusethesameScripturaltextswhich,accordingtothe

witnessofSaintLuke(cf.24:27,4447),theRisenChrist himselfwouldhaveexplainedtothedisciples.Inthelight ofthesetexts,thecelebrationofthedayofthe Resurrectionacquiredadoctrinalandsymbolicvalue capableofexpressingtheentireChristianmysteryinallits newness. GrowingdistinctionfromtheSabbath 23.Itwasthisnewnesswhichthecatechesisofthefirst centuriesstressedasitsoughttoshowtheprominenceof SundayrelativetotheJewishSabbath.Itwasonthe SabbaththattheJewishpeoplehadtogatherinthe synagogueandtorestinthewayprescribedbytheLaw. TheApostles,andinparticularSaintPaul,continued initiallytoattendthesynagoguesothattheretheymight proclaimJesusChrist,commentinguponthewordsofthe prophetswhicharereadeverySabbath(Acts13:27). SomecommunitiesobservedtheSabbathwhilealso celebratingSunday.Soon,however,thetwodaysbeganto bedistinguishedevermoreclearly,inreactionchieflyto theinsistenceofthoseChristianswhoseoriginsinJudaism madetheminclinedtomaintaintheobligationoftheold

Law.SaintIgnatiusofAntiochwrites:Ifthosewhowere livingintheformerstateofthingshavecometoanew hope,nolongerobservingtheSabbathbutkeepingthe LordsDay,thedayonwhichourlifehasappeared throughhimandhisdeath...,thatmysteryfromwhichwe havereceivedourfaithandinwhichweperseverein ordertobejudgeddisciplesofChrist,ouronlyMaster, howcouldwethenlivewithouthim,giventhatthe prophetstoo,ashisdisciplesintheSpirit,awaitedhimas master?.(21)SaintAugustinenotesinturn:Thereforethe Lordtoohasplacedhissealonhisday,whichisthethird afterthePassion.Intheweeklycycle,however,itisthe eighthdayaftertheseventh,thatisaftertheSabbath,and thefirstdayoftheweek.(22)ThedistinctionofSunday fromtheJewishSabbathgreweverstrongerinthemindof theChurch,eventhoughtherehavebeentimesinhistory when,becausetheobligationofSundayrestwasso emphasized,theLordsDaytendedtobecomemorelike theSabbath.Moreover,therehavealwaysbeengroups withinChristianitywhichobserveboththeSabbathand Sundayastwobrotherdays.(23) Thedayofthenewcreation

 24.AcomparisonoftheChristianSundaywiththeOld TestamentvisionoftheSabbathpromptedtheological insightsofgreatinterest.Inparticular,thereemergedthe uniqueconnectionbetweentheResurrectionandCreation. ChristianthoughtspontaneouslylinkedtheResurrection, whichtookplaceonthefirstdayoftheweek,withthe firstdayofthatcosmicweek(cf.Gn1:12:4)which shapesthecreationstoryintheBookofGenesis:thedayof thecreationoflight(cf.1:35).Thislinkinvitedan understandingoftheResurrectionasthebeginningofa newcreation,thefirstfruitsofwhichistheglorious Christ,thefirstbornofallcreation(Col1:15)andthe firstbornfromthedead(Col1:18). 25.Ineffect,Sundayisthedayaboveallotherdayswhich summonsChristianstorememberthesalvationwhichwas giventotheminbaptismandwhichhasmadethemnew inChrist.Youwereburiedwithhiminbaptism,inwhich youwerealsoraisedwithhimthroughfaithinthe workingofGod,whoraisedhimfromthedead(Col2:12; cf.Rom6:46).Theliturgyunderscoresthisbaptismal dimensionofSunday,bothincallingforthecelebrationof

baptismsaswellasattheEasterVigilonthedayof theweekwhentheChurchcommemoratestheLords Resurrection,(24)andinsuggestingasanappropriate penitentialriteatthestartofMassthesprinklingofholy water,whichrecallsthemomentofBaptisminwhichall Christianlifeisborn.(25) Theeighthday:imageofeternity 26.Bycontrast,theSabbathspositionastheseventhday oftheweeksuggestsfortheLordsDayacomplementary symbolism,muchlovedbytheFathers.Sundayisnotonly thefirstday,itisalsotheeighthday,setwithinthe sevenfoldsuccessionofdaysinauniqueandtranscendent positionwhichevokesnotonlythebeginningoftimebut alsoitsendintheagetocome.SaintBasilexplainsthat Sundaysymbolizesthattrulysingulardaywhichwill followthepresenttime,thedaywithoutendwhichwill knowneithereveningnormorning,theimperishableage whichwillnevergrowold;Sundayistheceaseless foretellingoflifewithoutendwhichrenewsthehopeof Christiansandencouragesthemontheirway.(26)Looking towardsthelastday,whichfulfilscompletelythe

eschatologicalsymbolismoftheSabbath,SaintAugustine concludestheConfessionsdescribingtheEschatonasthe peaceofquietness,thepeaceoftheSabbath,apeacewith noevening.(27)IncelebratingSunday,boththefirstand theeighthday,theChristianisledtowardsthegoalof eternallife.(28) ThedayofChristLight 27.ThisChristocentricvisionshedslightuponanother symbolismwhichChristianreflectionandpastoral practiceascribedtotheLordsDay.Wisepastoralintuition suggestedtotheChurchthechristianizationofthenotion ofSundayasthedayofthesun,whichwastheRoman nameforthedayandwhichisretainedinsomemodern languages.(29)Thiswasinordertodrawthefaithfulaway fromtheseductionofcultswhichworshippedthesun, andtodirectthecelebrationofthedaytoChrist, humanitystruesun.Writingtothepagans,SaintJustin usesthelanguageofthetimetonotethatChristians gathertogetheronthedaynamedafterthesun,(30)but forbelieverstheexpressionhadalreadyassumedanew meaningwhichwasunmistakeablyrootedinthe

Gospel.(31)Christisthelightoftheworld(cf.Jn9:5;also 1:45,9),and,intheweeklyreckoningoftime,theday commemoratinghisResurrectionistheenduring reflectionoftheepiphanyofhisglory.Thethemeof SundayasthedayilluminatedbythetriumphoftheRisen ChristisalsofoundintheLiturgyoftheHours(32)andis givenspecialemphasisinthePannichida,thevigilwhich intheEasternliturgiespreparesforSunday.From generationtogenerationasshegathersonthisday,the ChurchmakesherownthewondermentofZechariahas helookeduponChrist,seeinginhimthedawnwhich giveslighttothosewhositindarknessandinthe shadowofdeath(Lk1:7879),andsheechoesthejoyof SimeonwhenhetakesinhisarmsthedivineChildwho hascomeasthelighttoenlightentheGentiles(Lk2:32). ThedayofthegiftoftheSpirit 28.Sunday,thedayoflight,couldalsobecalledthedayof fire,inreferencetotheHolySpirit.ThelightofChristis intimatelylinkedtothefireoftheSpirit,andthetwo imagestogetherrevealthemeaningoftheChristian Sunday.(33)WhenheappearedtotheApostlesonthe

eveningofEaster,Jesusbreatheduponthemandsaid: ReceivetheHolySpirit.Ifyouforgivethesinsofany, theyareforgiven;ifyouretainthesinsofany,theyare retained(Jn20:2223).TheoutpouringoftheSpiritwas thegreatgiftoftheRisenLordtohisdisciplesonEaster Sunday.ItwasagainSundaywhen,fiftydaysafterthe Resurrection,theSpiritdescendedinpower,asamighty windandfire(Acts2:23),upontheApostlesgathered withMary.Pentecostisnotonlythefoundingeventofthe Church,butisalsothemysterywhichforevergiveslifeto theChurch.(34)Suchaneventhasitsownpowerful liturgicalmomentintheannualcelebrationwhich concludesthegreatSunday,(35)butitalsoremainsa partofthedeepmeaningofeverySunday,becauseofits intimatebondwiththePaschalMystery.Theweekly Easterthusbecomes,inasense,theweeklyPentecost, whenChristiansrelivetheApostlesjoyfulencounterwith theRisenLordandreceivethelifegivingbreathofhis Spirit. Thedayoffaith

29.Giventhesedifferentdimensionswhichsetitapart, Sundayappearsasthesupremedayoffaith.Itistheday when,bythepoweroftheHolySpirit,whoisthe Churchslivingmemory(cf.Jn14:26),thefirst appearanceoftheRisenLordbecomesaneventrenewed inthetodayofeachofChristsdisciples.Gatheredinhis presenceintheSundayassembly,believerssense themselvescalledliketheApostleThomas:Putyour fingerhere,andseemyhands.Putoutyourhand,and placeitinmyside.Doubtnolonger,butbelieve(Jn 20:27).Yes,Sundayisthedayoffaith.Thisisstressedby thefactthattheSundayEucharisticliturgy,liketheliturgy ofothersolemnities,includestheProfessionofFaith. Recitedorsung,theCreeddeclaresthebaptismaland PaschalcharacterofSunday,makingitthedayonwhich inaspecialwaythebaptizedrenewtheiradherenceto ChristandhisGospelinarekindledawarenessoftheir baptismalpromises.Listeningtothewordandreceiving theBodyoftheLord,thebaptizedcontemplatetheRisen Jesuspresentintheholysignsandconfesswiththe ApostleThomas:MyLordandmyGod!(Jn20:28). Anindispensableday!

 30.Itisclearthenwhy,eveninourowndifficulttimes,the identityofthisdaymustbeprotectedandaboveallmust belivedinallitsdepth.AnEasternwriterofthebeginning ofthethirdcenturyrecountsthatasearlyasthenthe faithfulineveryregionwerekeepingSundayholyona regularbasis.(36)Whatbeganasaspontaneouspractice laterbecameajuridicallysanctionednorm.TheLords DayhasstructuredthehistoryoftheChurchthroughtwo thousandyears:howcouldwethinkthatitwillnot continuetoshapeherfuture?Thepressuresoftodaycan makeithardertofulfiltheSundayobligation;and,witha motherssensitivity,theChurchlookstothecircumstances ofeachofherchildren.Inparticular,shefeelsherself calledtoanewcatecheticalandpastoralcommitment,in ordertoensurethat,inthenormalcourseoflife,noneof herchildrenaredeprivedoftherichoutpouringofgrace whichthecelebrationoftheLordsDaybrings.Itwasin thisspiritthattheSecondVaticanCouncil,makinga pronouncementonthepossibilityofreformingtheChurch calendartomatchdifferentcivilcalendars,declaredthat theChurchispreparedtoacceptonlythosearrangements whichpreserveaweekofsevendayswithaSunday.(37)

Givenitsmanymeaningsandaspects,anditslinktothe veryfoundationsofthefaith,thecelebrationofthe ChristianSundayremains,onthethresholdoftheThird Millennium,anindispensableelementofourChristian identity. CHAPTERIII DIESECCLESIAE TheEucharisticAssembly: HeartofSunday ThepresenceoftheRisenLord 31.Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage(Mt 28:20).ThispromiseofChristneverceasestoresoundin theChurchasthefertilesecretofherlifeandthe wellspringofherhope.AsthedayofResurrection, Sundayisnotonlytheremembranceofapastevent:itisa

celebrationofthelivingpresenceoftheRisenLordinthe midstofhisownpeople. Forthispresencetobeproperlyproclaimedandlived,itis notenoughthatthedisciplesofChristprayindividually andcommemoratethedeathandResurrectionofChrist inwardly,inthesecrecyoftheirhearts.Thosewhohave receivedthegraceofbaptismarenotsavedasindividuals alone,butasmembersoftheMysticalBody,having becomepartofthePeopleofGod.(38)Itisimportant thereforethattheycometogethertoexpressfullythevery identityoftheChurch,theekklesia,theassemblycalled togetherbytheRisenLordwhoofferedhislifetoreunite thescatteredchildrenofGod(Jn11:52).Theyhave becomeoneinChrist(cf.Gal3:28)throughthegiftofthe Spirit.ThisunitybecomesvisiblewhenChristiansgather together:itisthenthattheycometoknowvividlyandto testifytotheworldthattheyarethepeopleredeemed, drawnfromeverytribeandlanguageandpeopleand nation(Rev5:9).TheassemblyofChristsdisciples embodiesfromagetoagetheimageofthefirstChristian communitywhichLukegivesasanexampleintheActsof theApostles,whenherecountsthatthefirstbaptized

believersdevotedthemselvestotheapostlesteaching andfellowship,tothebreakingofbreadandtheprayers (2:42). TheEucharisticassembly 32.TheEucharistisnotonlyaparticularlyintense expressionoftherealityoftheChurchslife,butalsoina senseitsfountainhead.(39)TheEucharistfeedsand formstheChurch:Becausethereisonebread,wewhoare manyareonebody,forweallpartakeoftheonebread(1 Cor10:17).Becauseofthisvitallinkwiththesacramentof theBodyandBloodoftheLord,themysteryofthe Churchissavoured,proclaimed,andlivedsupremelyin theEucharist.(40) ThisecclesialdimensionintrinsictotheEucharistis realizedineveryEucharisticcelebration.Butitis expressedmostespeciallyonthedaywhenthewhole communitycomestogethertocommemoratetheLords Resurrection.Significantly,theCatechismoftheCatholic ChurchteachesthattheSundaycelebrationoftheLords

DayandhisEucharistisattheheartoftheChurchs life.(41) 33.AtSundayMass,Christiansrelivewithparticular intensitytheexperienceoftheApostlesontheeveningof EasterwhentheRisenLordappearedtothemasthey weregatheredtogether(cf.Jn20:19).Inasense,thePeople ofGodofalltimeswerepresentinthatsmallnucleusof disciples,thefirstfruitsoftheChurch.Throughtheir testimony,everygenerationofbelievershearsthegreeting ofChrist,richwiththemessianicgiftofpeace,wonbyhis bloodandofferedwithhisSpirit:Peacebewithyou! Christsreturnamongthemaweeklater(Jn20:26)canbe seenasaradicalprefiguringoftheChristiancommunitys practiceofcomingtogethereverysevendays,onthe LordsDayorSunday,inordertoprofessfaithinhis Resurrectionandtoreceivetheblessingwhichhehad promised:Blessedarethosewhohavenotseenandyet believe(Jn20:29).Thiscloseconnectionbetweenthe appearanceoftheRisenLordandtheEucharistis suggestedintheGospelofLukeinthestoryofthetwo disciplesofEmmaus,whomChristapproachedandledto understandtheScripturesandthensatwiththemattable.

Theyrecognizedhimwhenhetookthebread,saidthe blessing,brokeitandgaveittothem(24:30).Thegestures ofJesusinthisaccountarehisgesturesattheLastSupper, withtheclearallusiontothebreakingofbread,asthe EucharistwascalledbythefirstgenerationofChristians. TheSundayEucharist 34.Itistruethat,initself,theSundayEucharistisno differentfromtheEucharistcelebratedonotherdays,nor canitbeseparatedfromliturgicalandsacramentallifeasa whole.Byitsverynature,theEucharistisanepiphanyof theChurch;(42)andthisismostpowerfullyexpressed whenthediocesancommunitygathersinprayerwithits Pastor:TheChurchappearswithspecialclaritywhenthe holyPeopleofGod,allofthem,areactivelyandfully sharinginthesameliturgicalcelebrationsespecially whenitisthesameEucharistsharingoneprayeratone altar,atwhichtheBishopispresiding,surroundedbyhis presbytersandhisministers.(43)Thisrelationshipwith theBishopandwiththeentireChurchcommunityis inherentineveryEucharisticcelebration,evenwhenthe Bishopdoesnotpreside,regardlessofthedayoftheweek

onwhichitiscelebrated.ThementionoftheBishopinthe EucharisticPrayeristheindicationofthis. Butbecauseofitsspecialsolemnityandtheobligatory presenceofthecommunity,andbecauseitiscelebrated onthedaywhenChristconquereddeathandgaveusa shareinhisimmortallife,(44)theSundayEucharist expresseswithgreateremphasisitsinherentecclesial dimension.ItbecomestheparadigmforotherEucharistic celebrations.Eachcommunity,gatheringallitsmembers forthebreakingofthebread,becomestheplacewhere themysteryoftheChurchisconcretelymadepresent.In celebratingtheEucharist,thecommunityopensitselfto communionwiththeuniversalChurch,(45)imploringthe FathertoremembertheChurchthroughouttheworld andmakehergrowintheunityofallthefaithfulwiththe PopeandwiththePastorsoftheparticularChurches,until loveisbroughttoperfection. ThedayoftheChurch 35.Therefore,thediesDominiisalsothediesEcclesiae. Thisiswhyonthepastorallevelthecommunityaspectof

theSundaycelebrationshouldbeparticularlystressed.As Ihavenotedelsewhere,amongthemanyactivitiesofa parish,noneisasvitalorascommunityformingasthe SundaycelebrationoftheLordsDayandhis Eucharist.(46)Mindfulofthis,theSecondVatican Councilrecalledthateffortsmustbemadetoensurethat thereiswithintheparish,alivelysenseofcommunity,in thefirstplacethroughthecommunitycelebrationof SundayMass.(47)Subsequentliturgicaldirectivesmade thesamepoint,askingthatonSundaysandholydaysthe Eucharisticcelebrationsheldnormallyinotherchurches andchapelsbecoordinatedwiththecelebrationinthe parishchurch,inordertofosterthesenseoftheChurch community,whichisnourishedandexpressedina particularwaybythecommunitycelebrationonSunday, whetheraroundtheBishop,especiallyintheCathedral,or intheparishassembly,inwhichthepastorrepresentsthe Bishop.(48) 36.TheSundayassemblyistheprivilegedplaceofunity:it isthesettingforthecelebrationofthesacramentum unitatiswhichprofoundlymarkstheChurchasapeople gatheredbyandintheunityoftheFather,oftheSon

andoftheHolySpirit.(49)ForChristianfamilies,the Sundayassemblyisoneofthemostoutstanding expressionsoftheiridentityandtheirministryas domesticchurches,(50)whenparentssharewiththeir childrenattheoneTableofthewordandoftheBreadof Life.Wedowelltorecallinthisregardthatitisfirstofall theparentswhomustteachtheirchildrentoparticipatein SundayMass;theyareassistedinthisbycatechists,who aretoseetoitthatinitiationintotheMassismadeapart oftheformationimpartedtothechildrenentrustedto theircare,explainingtheimportantreasonsbehindthe obligatorynatureoftheprecept.Whencircumstances suggestit,thecelebrationofMassesforChildren,in keepingwiththeprovisionsoftheliturgicalnorms,(51) canalsohelpinthisregard. AtSundayMassesinparishes,insofarasparishesare Eucharisticcommunities,(52)itisnormaltofind differentgroups,movements,associationsandeventhe smallerreligiouscommunitiespresentintheparish.This allowseveryonetoexperienceincommonwhattheyshare mostdeeply,beyondtheparticularspiritualpathswhich, bydiscernmentofChurchauthority,(53)legitimately

distinguishthem.ThisiswhyonSunday,thedayof gathering,smallgroupMassesarenottobeencouraged:it isnotonlyaquestionofensuringthatparishassemblies arenotwithoutthenecessaryministryofpriests,butalso ofensuringthatthelifeandunityoftheChurch communityarefullysafeguardedandpromoted.(54) Authorizationofpossibleandclearlyrestrictedexceptions tothisgeneralguidelinewilldependuponthewise discernmentofthePastorsoftheparticularChurches,in viewofspecialneedsintheareaofformationandpastoral care,andkeepinginmindthegoodofindividualsor groupsespeciallythebenefitswhichsuchexceptions maybringtotheentireChristiancommunity. Apilgrimpeople 37.AstheChurchjourneysthroughtime,thereferenceto ChristsResurrectionandtheweeklyrecurrenceofthis solemnmemorialhelptoremindusofthepilgrimand eschatologicalcharacterofthePeopleofGod.Sunday afterSundaytheChurchmovestowardsthefinalLords Day,thatSundaywhichknowsnoend.Theexpectation ofChristscomingisinscribedintheverymysteryofthe

Church(55)andisevidencedineveryEucharistic celebration.But,withitsspecificremembranceoftheglory oftheRisenChrist,theLordsDayrecallswithgreater intensitythefuturegloryofhisreturn.Thismakes SundaythedayonwhichtheChurch,showingforthmore clearlyheridentityasBride,anticipatesinsomesense theeschatologicalrealityoftheheavenlyJerusalem. GatheringherchildrenintotheEucharisticassemblyand teachingthemtowaitforthedivineBridegroom,she engagesinakindofexerciseofdesire,(56)receivinga foretasteofthejoyofthenewheavensandnewearth, whentheholycity,thenewJerusalem,willcomedown fromGod,preparedasabrideadornedforherhusband (Rev21:2). Thedayofhope 38.Viewedinthisway,Sundayisnotonlythedayof faith,butisalsothedayofChristianhope.Toshareinthe LordsSupperistoanticipatetheeschatologicalfeastof themarriageoftheLamb(Rev19:9).Celebratingthis memorialofChrist,risenandascendedintoheaven,the Christiancommunitywaitsinjoyfulhopeforthecoming

ofourSaviour,JesusChrist.(57)Renewedandnourished bythisintenseweeklyrhythm,Christianhopebecomes theleavenandthelightofhumanhope.Thisiswhythe PrayeroftheFaithfulrespondsnotonlytotheneedsof theparticularChristiancommunitybutalsotothoseofall humanity;andtheChurch,comingtogetherforthe Eucharisticcelebration,showstotheworldthatshemakes herownthejoysandhopes,thesorrowsandanxietiesof peopletoday,especiallyofthepoorandallthosewho suffer.(58)WiththeofferingoftheSundayEucharist,the Churchcrownsthewitnesswhichherchildrenstriveto offereverydayoftheweekbyproclaimingtheGospel andpractisingcharityintheworldofworkandinallthe manytasksoflife;thussheshowsforthmoreplainlyher identityasasacrament,orsignandinstrumentof intimateunionwithGodandoftheunityoftheentire humanrace.(59) Thetableoftheword 39.AsineveryEucharisticcelebration,theRisenLordis encounteredintheSundayassemblyatthetwofoldtable ofthewordandoftheBreadofLife.Thetableoftheword

offersthesameunderstandingofthehistoryofsalvation andespeciallyofthePaschalMysterywhichtheRisen Jesushimselfgavetohisdisciples:itisChristwhospeaks, presentasheisinhiswordwhenSacredScriptureisread intheChurch.(60)AtthetableoftheBreadofLife,the RisenLordbecomesreally,substantiallyandenduringly presentthroughthememorialofhisPassionand Resurrection,andtheBreadofLifeisofferedasapledge offutureglory.TheSecondVaticanCouncilrecalledthat theLiturgyoftheWordandtheLiturgyoftheEucharist aresocloselyjoinedtogetherthattheyformasingleactof worship.(61)TheCouncilalsourgedthatthetableofthe wordofGodbemorelavishlypreparedforthefaithful, openingtothemmoreabundantlythetreasuresofthe Bible.(62)Itthendecreedthat,inMassesofSundayand holydaysofobligation,thehomilyshouldnotbeomitted exceptforseriousreasons.(63)Thesetimelydecreeswere faithfullyembodiedintheliturgicalreform,aboutwhich PaulVIwrote,commentinguponthericherofferingof biblicalreadingsonSundayandholydays:Allthishas beendecreedsoastofostermoreandmoreinthefaithful thathungerforhearingthewordoftheLord(Am8:11) which,undertheguidanceoftheHolySpirit,spursthe

PeopleoftheNewCovenantontowardstheperfectunity oftheChurch.(64) 40.InconsideringtheSundayEucharistmorethanthirty yearsaftertheCouncil,weneedtoassesshowwellthe wordofGodisbeingproclaimedandhoweffectivelythe PeopleofGodhavegrowninknowledgeandloveof SacredScripture.(65)Therearetwoaspectsofthisthat ofcelebrationandthatofpersonalappropriationand theyareverycloselyrelated.Atthelevelofcelebration, thefactthattheCouncilmadeitpossibletoproclaimthe wordofGodinthelanguageofthecommunitytaking partinthecelebrationmustawakenanewsenseof responsibilitytowardstheword,allowingthedistinctive characterofthesacredtexttoshinefortheveninthe modeofreadingorsinging.(66)Atthelevelofpersonal appropriation,thehearingofthewordofGodproclaimed mustbewellpreparedinthesoulsofthefaithfulbyanapt knowledgeofScriptureand,wherepastorallypossible,by specialinitiativesdesignedtodeepenunderstandingof thebiblicalreadings,particularlythoseusedonSundays andholydays.IfChristianindividualsandfamiliesare notregularlydrawingnewlifefromthereadingofthe

sacredtextinaspiritofprayeranddocilitytothe Churchsinterpretation,(67)thenitisdifficultforthe liturgicalproclamationofthewordofGodaloneto producethefruitwemightexpect.Thisisthevalueof initiativesinparishcommunitieswhichbringtogether duringtheweekthosewhotakepartintheEucharist priest,ministersandfaithful(68)inordertopreparethe Sundayliturgy,reflectingbeforehanduponthewordof Godwhichwillbeproclaimed.Theobjectivesoughthere isthattheentirecelebrationpraying,singing,listening, andnotjustthepreachingshouldexpressinsomeway thethemeoftheSundayliturgy,sothatallthosetaking partmaybepenetratedmorepowerfullybyit.Clearly, muchdependsonthosewhoexercisetheministryofthe word.Itistheirdutytopreparethereflectionontheword oftheLordbyprayerandstudyofthesacredtext,sothat theymaythenexpressitscontentsfaithfullyandapply themtopeoplesconcernsandtotheirdailylives. 41.Itshouldalsobeborneinmindthattheliturgical proclamationofthewordofGod,especiallyinthe Eucharisticassembly,isnotsomuchatimeformeditation andcatechesisasadialoguebetweenGodandhisPeople,

adialogueinwhichthewondersofsalvationare proclaimedandthedemandsoftheCovenantare continuallyrestated.Ontheirpart,thePeopleofGodare drawntorespondtothisdialogueoflovebygivingthanks andpraise,alsobydemonstratingtheirfidelitytothetask ofcontinualconversion.TheSundayassemblycommits usthereforetoaninnerrenewalofourbaptismal promises,whichareinasenseimplicitintherecitationof theCreed,andareanexplicitpartoftheliturgyofthe EasterVigilandwheneverBaptismiscelebratedduring Mass.Inthiscontext,theproclamationofthewordinthe SundayEucharisticcelebrationtakesonthesolemntone foundintheOldTestamentatmomentswhenthe Covenantwasrenewed,whentheLawwasproclaimed andthecommunityofIsraelwascalledlikethePeople inthedesertatthefootofSinai(cf.Ex19:78;24:3,7)to repeatsitsyes,renewingitsdecisiontobefaithfulto Godandtoobeyhiscommandments.Inspeakinghis word,Godawaitsourresponse:aresponsewhichChrist hasalreadymadeforuswithhisAmen(cf.2Cor1:20 22),andwhichechoesinusthroughtheHolySpiritsothat whatwehearmayinvolveusatthedeepestlevel.(69)

ThetableoftheBodyofChrist 42.Thetableofthewordleadsnaturallytothetableofthe EucharisticBreadandpreparesthecommunitytoliveits manyaspects,whichintheSundayEucharistassumean especiallysolemncharacter.Asthewholecommunity gatherstocelebratetheLordsDay,theEucharist appearsmoreclearlythanonotherdaysasthegreat thanksgivinginwhichtheSpiritfilledChurchturnsto theFather,becomingonewithChristandspeakinginthe nameofallhumanity.Therhythmoftheweekpromptsus togatherupingratefulmemorytheeventsofthedays whichhavejustpassed,toreviewtheminthelightofGod andtothankhimforhiscountlessgifts,glorifyinghim throughChrist,withChristandinChrist,intheunityof theHolySpirit.TheChristiancommunitythuscomestoa renewedawarenessofthefactthatallthingswerecreated throughChrist(cf.Col1:16;Jn1:3),andthatinChrist,who cameintheformofaslavetotakeonandredeemour humancondition,allthingshavebeenrestored(cf.Eph 1:10),inordertobehandedovertoGodtheFather,from whomallthingscometobeanddrawtheirlife.Then, givingassenttotheEucharisticdoxologywiththeir

Amen,thePeopleofGodlookinfaithandhopetowards theeschatologicalend,whenChristwilldeliverthe kingdomtoGodtheFather...sothatGodmaybe everythingtoeveryone(1Cor15:24,28). 43.Thisascendingmovementisinherentinevery Eucharisticcelebrationandmakesitajoyousevent, overflowingwithgratitudeandhope.Butitemerges particularlyatSundayMassbecauseofitsspeciallink withthecommemorationoftheResurrection.Bycontrast, thisEucharisticrejoicingwhichliftsupourheartsis thefruitofGodsdescendingmovementtowardsus, whichremainsforeveretchedintheessentialsacrificial elementoftheEucharist,thesupremeexpressionand celebrationofthemysteryofthekenosis,thedescentby whichChristhumbledhimself,andbecameobedient untodeath,evendeathonaCross(Phil2:8). TheMassinfacttrulymakespresentthesacrificeofthe Cross.Underthespeciesofbreadandwine,uponwhich hasbeeninvokedtheoutpouringoftheSpiritwhoworks withabsolutelyuniquepowerinthewordsof consecration,ChristoffershimselftotheFatherinthe

sameactofsacrificebywhichheofferedhimselfonthe Cross.Inthisdivinesacrificewhichisaccomplishedin theMass,thesameChristwhoofferedhimselfonceand forallinabloodymanneronthealtaroftheCrossis containedandisofferedinanunbloodymanner.(70)To hissacrificeChristunitesthesacrificeoftheChurch:In theEucharistthesacrificeofChristbecomesalsothe sacrificeofthemembersofhisBody.Thelivesofthe faithful,theirpraise,sufferings,prayerandwork,are unitedwiththoseofChristandwithhistotaloffering,and soacquireanewvalue.(71)Thetruththatthewhole communitysharesinChristssacrificeisespeciallyevident intheSundaygathering,whichmakesitpossibletobring tothealtartheweekthathaspassed,withallitshuman burdens. Easterbanquetandfraternalgathering 44.ThecommunalcharacteroftheEucharistemergesina specialwaywhenitisseenastheEasterbanquet,inwhich Christhimselfbecomesournourishment.Infact,forthis purposeChristentrustedtotheChurchthissacrifice:so thatthefaithfulmightshareinit,bothspiritually,infaith

andcharity,andsacramentally,inthebanquetofHoly Communion.SharingintheLordsSupperisalways communionwithChrist,whooffershimselfforusin sacrificetotheFather.(72)ThisiswhytheChurch recommendsthatthefaithfulreceivecommunionwhen theytakepartintheEucharist,providedthattheyare properlydisposedand,ifawareofgravesin,have receivedGodspardonintheSacramentof Reconciliation,(73)inthespiritofwhatSaintPaulwritesto thecommunityatCorinth(cf.1Cor11:2732).Obviously, theinvitationtoEucharisticcommunionismoreinsistent inthecaseofMassonSundaysandholydays. Itisalsoimportanttobeevermindfulthatcommunion withChristisdeeplytiedtocommunionwithourbrothers andsisters.TheSundayEucharisticgatheringisan experienceofbrotherhood,whichthecelebrationshould demonstrateclearly,whileeverrespectingthenatureof theliturgicalaction.Allthiswillbehelpedbygesturesof welcomeandbythetoneofprayer,alerttotheneedsofall inthecommunity.ThesignofpeaceintheRomanRite significantlyplacedbeforeEucharisticcommunionisa particularlyexpressivegesturewhichthefaithfulare

invitedtomakeasamanifestationofthePeopleofGods acceptanceofallthathasbeenaccomplishedinthe celebration(74)andofthecommitmenttomutuallove whichismadeinsharingtheonebread,withthe demandingwordsofChristinmind:Ifyouareoffering yourgiftatthealtar,andthererememberthatyour brotherhassomethingagainstyou,leaveyourgiftthere beforethealtarandgo;firstbereconciledwithyour brother,andthencomeandofferyourgift(Mt5:2324). FromMasstomission 45.ReceivingtheBreadofLife,thedisciplesofChrist readythemselvestoundertakewiththestrengthofthe RisenLordandhisSpiritthetaskswhichawaitthemin theirordinarylife.Forthefaithfulwhohaveunderstood themeaningofwhattheyhavedone,theEucharistic celebrationdoesnotstopatthechurchdoor.Likethefirst witnessesoftheResurrection,Christianswhogathereach Sundaytoexperienceandproclaimthepresenceofthe RisenLordarecalledtoevangelizeandbearwitnessin theirdailylives.Giventhis,thePrayerafterCommunion andtheConcludingRitetheFinalBlessingandthe

Dismissalneedtobebettervaluedandappreciated,so thatallwhohavesharedintheEucharistmaycometoa deepersenseoftheresponsibilitywhichisentrustedto them.Oncetheassemblydisperses,Christsdisciples returntotheireverydaysurroundingswiththe commitmenttomaketheirwholelifeagift,aspiritual sacrificepleasingtoGod(cf.Rom12:1).Theyfeelindebted totheirbrothersandsistersbecauseofwhattheyhave receivedinthecelebration,notunlikethedisciplesof Emmauswho,oncetheyhadrecognizedtheRisenChrist inthebreakingofthebread(cf.Lk24:3032),feltthe needtoreturnimmediatelytosharewiththeirbrothers andsistersthejoyofmeetingtheLord(cf.Lk24:3335). TheSundayobligation 46.SincetheEucharististheveryheartofSunday,itis clearwhy,fromtheearliestcenturies,thePastorsofthe Churchhavenotceasedtoremindthefaithfuloftheneed totakepartintheliturgicalassembly.Leaveeverything ontheLordsDay,urgesthethirdcenturytextknownas theDidascalia,andrundiligentlytoyourassembly, becauseitisyourpraiseofGod.Otherwise,whatexcuse

willtheymaketoGod,thosewhodonotcometogetheron theLordsDaytohearthewordoflifeandfeedonthe divinenourishmentwhichlastsforever?.(75)Thefaithful havegenerallyacceptedthiscallofthePastorswith convictionofsouland,althoughtherehavebeentimes andsituationswhenthisdutyhasnotbeenperfectlymet, oneshouldneverforgetthegenuineheroismofpriests andfaithfulwhohavefulfilledthisobligationevenwhen facedwithdangerandthedenialofreligiousfreedom,as canbedocumentedfromthefirstcenturiesofChristianity uptoourowntime. InhisfirstApologyaddressedtotheEmperorAntoninus andtheSenate,SaintJustinproudlydescribedthe ChristianpracticeoftheSundayassembly,whichgathered inoneplaceChristiansfromboththecityandthe countryside.(76)When,duringthepersecutionof Diocletian,theirassemblieswerebannedwiththegreatest severity,manywerecourageousenoughtodefythe imperialdecreeandaccepteddeathratherthanmissthe SundayEucharist.Thiswasthecaseofthemartyrsof Abitina,inProconsularAfrica,whorepliedtotheir accusers:Withoutfearofanykindwehavecelebratedthe

LordsSupper,becauseitcannotbemissed;thatisour law;WecannotlivewithouttheLordsSupper.Asshe confessedherfaith,oneofthemartyrssaid:Yes,Iwentto theassemblyandIcelebratedtheLordsSupperwithmy brothersandsisters,becauseIamaChristian.(77) 47.Evenifintheearliesttimesitwasnotjudgednecessary tobeprescriptive,theChurchhasnotceasedtoconfirm thisobligationofconscience,whichrisesfromtheinner needfeltsostronglybytheChristiansofthefirst centuries.Itwasonlylater,facedwiththehalf heartednessornegligenceofsome,thattheChurchhadto makeexplicitthedutytoattendSundayMass:moreoften thannot,thiswasdoneintheformofexhortation,butat timestheChurchhadtoresorttospecificcanonical precepts.ThiswasthecaseinanumberoflocalCouncils fromthefourthcenturyonwards(asattheCouncilof Elviraof300,whichspeaksnotofanobligationbutof penaltiesafterthreeabsences)(78)andmostespecially fromthesixthcenturyonwards(asattheCouncilofAgde in506).(79)ThesedecreesoflocalCouncilsledtoa universalpractice,theobligatorycharacterofwhichwas takenassomethingquitenormal.(80)

 TheCodeofCanonLawof1917forthefirsttimegathered thistraditionintoauniversallaw.(81)ThepresentCode reiteratesthis,sayingthatonSundaysandotherholy daysofobligationthefaithfulareboundtoattend Mass.(82)Thislegislationhasnormallybeenunderstood asentailingagraveobligation:thisistheteachingofthe CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,(83)anditiseasyto understandwhyifwekeepinmindhowvitalSundayis fortheChristianlife. 48.Today,asintheheroictimesofthebeginning,many whowishtoliveinaccordwiththedemandsoftheirfaith arebeingfacedwithdifficultsituationsinvariouspartsof theworld.Theyliveinsurroundingswhicharesometimes decidedlyhostileandatothertimesmorefrequentlyin factindifferentandunresponsivetotheGospel message.Ifbelieversarenottobeoverwhelmed,they mustbeabletocountonthesupportoftheChristian community.Thisiswhytheymustbeconvincedthatitis cruciallyimportantforthelifeoffaiththattheyshould cometogetherwithothersonSundaystocelebratethe PassoveroftheLordinthesacramentoftheNew

Covenant.ItisthespecialresponsibilityoftheBishops, therefore,toensurethatSundayisappreciatedbyallthe faithful,keptholyandcelebratedastrulytheLordsDay, onwhichtheChurchcomestogethertorenewthe remembranceoftheEastermysteryinhearingthewordof God,inofferingthesacrificeoftheLord,inkeepingthe dayholybymeansofprayer,worksofcharityand abstentionfromwork.(84) 49.BecausethefaithfulareobligedtoattendMassunless thereisagraveimpediment,Pastorshavethe correspondingdutytooffertoeveryonethereal possibilityoffulfillingtheprecept.Theprovisionsof Churchlawmoveinthisdirection,asforexampleinthe facultygrantedtopriests,withthepriorauthorizationof thediocesanBishop,tocelebratemorethanoneMasson Sundaysandholydays,(85)theinstitutionofevening Masses(86)andtheprovisionwhichallowstheobligation tobefulfilledfromSaturdayeveningonwards,startingat thetimeofFirstVespersofSunday.(87)Fromaliturgical pointofview,infact,holydaysbeginwithFirst Vespers.(88)Consequently,theliturgyofwhatis sometimescalledtheVigilMassisineffectthefestive

MassofSunday,atwhichthecelebrantisrequiredto preachthehomilyandrecitethePrayeroftheFaithful. Moreover,Pastorsshouldremindthefaithfulthatwhen theyareawayfromhomeonSundaystheyaretotakecare toattendMasswherevertheymaybe,enrichingthelocal communitywiththeirpersonalwitness.Atthesametime, thesecommunitiesshouldshowawarmsenseofwelcome tovisitingbrothersandsisters,especiallyinplaceswhich attractmanytouristsandpilgrims,forwhomitwilloften benecessarytoprovidespecialreligiousassistance.(89) Ajoyfulcelebrationinsong 50.GiventhenatureofSundayMassanditsimportancein thelivesofthefaithful,itmustbepreparedwithspecial care.Inwaysdictatedbypastoralexperienceandlocal custominkeepingwithliturgicalnorms,effortsmustbe madetoensurethatthecelebrationhasthefestive characterappropriatetothedaycommemoratingthe LordsResurrection.Tothisend,itisimportanttodevote attentiontothesongsusedbytheassembly,sincesinging isaparticularlyaptwaytoexpressajoyfulheart,

accentuatingthesolemnityofthecelebrationandfostering thesenseofacommonfaithandasharedlove.Caremust betakentoensurethequality,bothofthetextsandofthe melodies,sothatwhatisproposedtodayasnewand creativewillconformtoliturgicalrequirementsandbe worthyoftheChurchstraditionwhich,inthefieldof sacredmusic,boastsapricelessheritage. Acelebrationinvolvingall 51.Thereisaneedtootoensurethatallthosepresent, childrenandadults,takeanactiveinterest,by encouragingtheirinvolvementatthosepointswherethe liturgysuggestsandrecommendsit.(90)Ofcourse,itfalls onlytothosewhoexercisethepriestlyministrytoeffect theEucharisticSacrificeandtoofferittoGodinthename ofthewholepeople.(91)Thisisthebasisofthedistinction, whichismuchmorethanamatterofdiscipline,between thetaskpropertothecelebrantandthatwhichbelongsto deaconsandthenonordainedfaithful.(92)Yetthefaithful mustrealizethat,becauseofthecommonpriesthood receivedinBaptism,theyparticipateintheofferingofthe Eucharist.(93)Althoughthereisadistinctionofroles,

theystilloffertoGodthedivinevictimandthemselves withhim.Offeringthesacrificeandreceivingholy communion,theytakepartactivelyintheliturgy,(94) findinginitlightandstrengthtolivetheirbaptismal priesthoodandthewitnessofaholylife. OthermomentsoftheChristianSunday 52.SharingintheEucharististheheartofSunday,butthe dutytokeepSundayholycannotbereducedtothis.In fact,theLordsDayislivedwellifitismarkedfrom beginningtoendbygratefulandactiveremembranceof Godssavingwork.ThiscommitseachofChristsdisciples toshapetheothermomentsofthedaythoseoutside theliturgicalcontext:familylife,socialrelationships, momentsofrelaxationinsuchawaythatthepeaceand joyoftheRisenLordwillemergeintheordinaryeventsof life.Forexample,therelaxedgatheringofparentsand childrencanbeanopportunitynotonlytolistentoone anotherbutalsotoshareafewformativeandmore reflectivemoments.Eveninlaylife,whenpossible,why notmakeprovisionforspecialtimesofprayer especiallythesolemncelebrationofVespers,forexample

ormomentsofcatechesis,whichontheeveofSunday oronSundayafternoonmightpreparefororcompletethe giftoftheEucharistinpeopleshearts? ThisrathertraditionalwayofkeepingSundayholyhas perhapsbecomemoredifficultformanypeople;butthe ChurchshowsherfaithinthestrengthoftheRisenLord andthepoweroftheHolySpiritbymakingitknownthat, todaymorethanever,sheisunwillingtosettlefor minimalismandmediocrityattheleveloffaith.Shewants tohelpChristianstodowhatismostcorrectandpleasing totheLord.Anddespitethedifficulties,therearepositive andencouragingsigns.InmanypartsoftheChurch,a newneedforprayerinitsmanyformsisbeingfelt;and thisisagiftoftheHolySpirit.Thereisalsoarediscovery ofancientreligiouspractices,suchaspilgrimages;and oftenthefaithfultakeadvantageofSundayresttovisita Shrinewhere,withthewholefamilyperhaps,theycan spendtimeinamoreintenseexperienceoffaith.Theseare momentsofgracewhichmustbefosteredthrough evangelizationandguidedbygenuinepastoralwisdom. Sundayassemblieswithoutapriest

 53.Thereremainstheproblemofparisheswhichdonot havetheministryofapriestforthecelebrationofthe SundayEucharist.Thisisoftenthecaseinyoung Churches,whereonepriesthaspastoralresponsibilityfor faithfulscatteredoveravastarea.However,emergency situationscanalsoariseincountriesoflongstanding Christiantradition,wherediminishingnumbersofclergy makeitimpossibletoguaranteethepresenceofapriestin everyparishcommunity.InsituationswheretheEucharist cannotbecelebrated,theChurchrecommendsthatthe Sundayassemblycometogetherevenwithoutapriest,(95) inkeepingwiththeindicationsanddirectivesoftheHoly SeewhichhavebeenentrustedtotheEpiscopal Conferencesforimplementation.(96)Yettheobjective mustalwaysremainthecelebrationoftheSacrificeofthe Mass,theonewayinwhichthePassoveroftheLord becomestrulypresent,theonlyfullrealizationofthe Eucharisticassemblyoverwhichthepriestpresidesin personaChristi,breakingthebreadofthewordandthe Eucharist.Atthepastorallevel,therefore,everythinghas tobedonetoensurethattheSacrificeoftheMassismade availableasoftenaspossibletothefaithfulwhoare

regularlydeprivedofit,eitherbyarrangingthepresence ofapriestfromtimetotime,orbytakingevery opportunitytoorganizeagatheringinacentrallocation accessibletoscatteredgroups. Radioandtelevision 54.Finally,thefaithfulwho,becauseofsickness,disability orsomeotherseriouscause,arepreventedfromtaking part,shouldasbesttheycanunitethemselveswiththe celebrationofSundayMassfromafar,preferablyby meansofthereadingsandprayersforthatdayfromthe Missal,aswellasthroughtheirdesireforthe Eucharist.(97)Inmanycountries,radioandtelevision makeitpossibletojoinintheEucharisticcelebration broadcastfromsomesacredplace.(98)Clearly,thiskindof broadcastdoesnotinitselffulfiltheSundayobligation, whichrequiresparticipationinthefraternalassembly gatheredinoneplace,whereEucharisticcommunioncan bereceived.Butforthosewhocannottakepartinthe Eucharistandwhoarethereforeexcusedfromthe obligation,radioandtelevisionareaprecioushelp, especiallyifaccompaniedbythegenerousserviceof

extraordinaryministerswhobringtheEucharisttothe sick,alsobringingthemthegreetingandsolidarityofthe wholecommunity.SundayMassthusproducesrichfruits fortheseChristianstoo,andtheyaretrulyenabledto experienceSundayastheLordsDayandtheChurchs day. CHAPTERIV DIESHOMINIS Sunday:DayofJoy,RestandSolidarity ThefulljoyofChrist 55.BlessedbehewhohasraisedthegreatdayofSunday aboveallotherdays.Theheavensandtheearth,angels andofmengivethemselvesovertojoy.(99)Thiscryof theMaroniteliturgycaptureswelltheintense acclamationsofjoywhichhavealwayscharacterized

SundayintheliturgyofbothEastandWest.Moreover, historicallyevenbeforeitwasseenasadayofrest, whichinanycasewasnotprovidedforinthecivil calendarChristianscelebratedtheweeklydayofthe RisenLordprimarilyasadayofjoy.Onthefirstdayof theweek,youshallallrejoice,urgestheDidascalia.(100) Thiswasalsoemphasizedbyliturgicalpractice,through thechoiceofappropriategestures.(101)Voicingan awarenesswidespreadintheChurch,SaintAugustine describesthejoyoftheweeklyEaster:Fasting,issetaside andprayersaresaidstanding,asasignofthe Resurrection,whichisalsowhytheAlleluiaissungon everySunday.(102) 56.Beyondparticularritualforms,whichcanvaryintime dependinguponChurchdiscipline,thereremainsthefact thatSunday,asaweeklyechoofthefirstencounterwith theRisenLord,isunfailinglymarkedbythejoywith whichthedisciplesgreetedtheMaster:Thedisciples rejoicedtoseetheLord(Jn20:20).Thiswasthe confirmationofthewordswhichJesusspokebeforethe PassionandwhichresoundineveryChristiangeneration: Youwillbesorrowful,butyoursorrowwillturntojoy

(Jn16:20).Hadnothehimselfprayedforthis,thatthe discipleswouldhavethefullnessofhisjoy(cf.Jn17:13)? ThefestivecharacteroftheSundayEucharistexpresses thejoythatChristcommunicatestohisChurchthrough thegiftoftheSpirit.Joyispreciselyoneofthefruitsofthe HolySpirit(cf.Rom14:17;Gal5:22). 57.Therefore,ifwewishtorediscoverthefullmeaningof Sunday,wemustrediscoverthisaspectofthelifeoffaith. Certainly,Christianjoymustmarkthewholeoflife,and notjustonedayoftheweek.Butinvirtueofits significanceasthedayoftheRisenLord,celebrating Godsworkofcreationandnewcreation,Sundayisthe dayofjoyinaveryspecialway,indeedthedaymost suitableforlearninghowtorejoiceandtorediscoverthe truenatureanddeeprootsofjoy.Thisjoyshouldneverbe confusedwithshallowfeelingsofsatisfactionand pleasure,whichinebriatethesensesandemotionsfora briefmoment,butthenleavetheheartunfulfilledand perhapsevenembittered.IntheChristianview,joyis muchmoreenduringandconsoling;asthesaintsattest,it canholdfirmeveninthedarknightofsuffering.(103)It is,inacertainsense,avirtuetobenurtured.

 58.YetthereisnoconflictwhateverbetweenChristianjoy andtruehumanjoys,whichinfactareexaltedandfind theirultimatefoundationpreciselyinthejoyofthe glorifiedChrist,theperfectimageandrevelationofman asGodintended.AsmyreveredpredecessorPaulVI wroteinhisExhortationonChristianjoy:Inessence, Christianjoyisasharingintheunfathomablejoy,atonce divineandhuman,foundintheheartoftheglorified Christ.(104)PopePaulconcludedhisExhortationby askingthat,ontheLordsDay,theChurchshouldwitness powerfullytothejoyexperiencedbytheApostleswhen theysawtheLordontheeveningofEaster.Tothisend,he urgedpastorstoinsistupontheneedforthebaptizedto celebratetheSundayEucharistinjoy.Howcouldthey neglectthisencounter,thisbanquetwhichChristprepares forusinhislove?Mayoursharinginitbemostworthy andjoyful!ItisChrist,crucifiedandglorified,whocomes amonghisdisciples,toleadthemalltogetherintothe newnessofhisResurrection.Thisistheclimax,here below,ofthecovenantoflovebetweenGodandhis people:thesignandsourceofChristianjoy,astageonthe waytotheeternalfeast.(105)Thisvisionoffaithshows

theChristianSundaytobeatruetimeforcelebration,a daygivenbyGodtomenandwomenfortheirfullhuman andspiritualgrowth. ThefulfilmentoftheSabbath 59.ThisaspectoftheChristianSundayshowsinaspecial wayhowitisthefulfilmentoftheOldTestamentSabbath. OntheLordsDay,whichaswehavealreadysaid theOldTestamentlinkstotheworkofcreation(cf.Gn2:1 3;Ex20:811)andtheExodus(cf.Dt5:1215),theChristian iscalledtoproclaimthenewcreationandthenew covenantbroughtaboutinthePaschalMysteryofChrist. Farfrombeingabolished,thecelebrationofcreation becomesmoreprofoundwithinaChristocentric perspective,beingseeninthelightoftheGodsplanto uniteallthingsin[Christ],thingsinheavenandthingson earth(Eph1:10).Theremembranceoftheliberationofthe Exodusalsoassumesitsfullmeaningasitbecomesa remembranceoftheuniversalredemptionaccomplished byChristinhisDeathandResurrection.Morethana replacementfortheSabbath,therefore,Sundayisits fulfilment,andinacertainsenseitsextensionandfull

expressionintheorderedunfoldingofthehistoryof salvation,whichreachesitsculminationinChrist. 60.Inthisperspective,thebiblicaltheologyofthe Sabbathcanberecoveredinfull,withoutcompromising theChristiancharacterofSunday.Itisatheologywhich leadsuseveranewandinunfailingawetothemysteryof thebeginning,whentheeternalWordofGod,byafree decisionoflove,createdtheworldfromnothing.The workofcreationwassealedbytheblessingand consecrationofthedayonwhichGodceasedfromallthe workwhichhehaddoneincreation(Gn2:3).Thisdayof Godsrestconfersmeaningupontime,whichinthe sequenceofweeksassumesnotonlyachronological regularitybutalso,inamannerofspeaking,atheological resonance.Theconstantreturnoftheshabbatensures thatthereisnoriskoftimebeingclosedinuponitself, since,inwelcomingGodandhiskairoithemomentsof hisgraceandhissavingactstimeremainsopento eternity. 61.AstheseventhdayblessedandconsecratedbyGod, theshabbatconcludesthewholeworkofcreation,andis

thereforeimmediatelylinkedtotheworkofthesixthday whenGodmademaninhisimageandlikeness(cf.Gn 1:26).ThisverycloseconnectionbetweenthedayofGod andthedayofmandidnotescapetheFathersintheir meditationonthebiblicalcreationstory.SaintAmbrose saysinthisregard:Thanks,then,totheLordourGod whoaccomplishedaworkinwhichhemightfindrest.He madetheheavens,butIdonotreadthathefoundrest there;hemadethestars,themoon,thesun,andneitherdo Ireadthathefoundrestinthem.Ireadinsteadthathe mademanandthatthenherested,findinginmanoneto whomhecouldoffertheforgivenessofsins.(106)Thus therewillbeforeveradirectlinkbetweenthedayof Godandthedayofman.Whenthedivine commandmentdeclares:RemembertheSabbathdayin ordertokeepitholy(Ex20:8),therestdecreedinorderto honourthedaydedicatedtoGodisnotatallaburden imposeduponman,butratheranaidtohelphimto recognizehislifegivingandliberatingdependenceupon theCreator,andatthesametimehiscallingtocooperate intheCreatorsworkandtoreceivehisgrace.In honouringGodsrest,manfullydiscovershimself,and thustheLordsDaybearstheprofoundimprintofGods

blessing(cf.Gn2:3),byvirtueofwhich,wemightsay,itis endowedinawaysimilartotheanimalsandtoman himself,withakindoffruitfulness(cf.Gn1:22,28).This fruitfulnessisapparentaboveallinfillingand,ina certainsense,multiplyingtimeitself,deepeninginmen andwomenthejoyoflivingandthedesiretofosterand communicatelife. 62.ItisthedutyofChristiansthereforetorememberthat, althoughthepracticesoftheJewishSabbatharegone, surpassedastheyarebythefulfilmentwhichSunday brings,theunderlyingreasonsforkeepingtheLords DayholyinscribedsolemnlyintheTen Commandmentsremainvalid,thoughtheyneedtobe reinterpretedinthelightofthetheologyandspirituality ofSunday:RemembertheSabbathdaytokeepitholy,as theLordyourGodcommandedyou.Sixdaysyoushall labour,anddoallyourwork;buttheseventhdayisa SabbathtotheLordyourGod.Thenyoushalldonowork, you,oryourson,oryourdaughter,oryourservant,or yourmaid,oryourox,oryourass,oranyofyourbeasts, ortheforeignerwithinyourgates,thatyourservantand maidmayrestaswellasyou.Youshallrememberthat

youwereaservantinthelandofEgypt,andtheLord yourGodbroughtyououtfromtherewithamightyhand andanoutstretchedarm.ThereforetheLordyourGod commandedthatyoukeeptheSabbathday(Dt5:1215). HeretheSabbathobservanceiscloselylinkedwiththe liberationwhichGodaccomplishedforhispeople. 63.Christcametoaccomplishanewexodus,torestore freedomtotheoppressed.Heperformedmanyhealings ontheSabbath(cf.Mt12:914andparallels),certainlynot toviolatetheLordsDay,buttorevealitsfullmeaning: TheSabbathwasmadeforman,notmanfortheSabbath (Mk2:27).Opposingtheexcessivelylegalistic interpretationofsomeofhiscontemporaries,and developingthetruemeaningofthebiblicalSabbath,Jesus, asLordoftheSabbath(Mk2:28),restorestotheSabbath observanceitsliberatingcharacter,carefullysafeguarding therightsofGodandtherightsofman.Thisiswhy Christians,calledastheyaretoproclaimtheliberation wonbythebloodofChrist,feltthattheyhadtheauthority totransferthemeaningoftheSabbathtothedayofthe Resurrection.ThePassoverofChristhasinfactliberated manfromaslaverymoreradicalthananyweighingupon

anoppressedpeopletheslaveryofsin,whichalienates manfromGod,andalienatesmanfromhimselfandfrom others,constantlysowingwithinhistorytheseedsofevil andviolence. Thedayofrest 64.Forseveralcenturies,ChristiansobservedSunday simplyasadayofworship,withoutbeingabletogiveit thespecificmeaningofSabbathrest.Onlyinthefourth centurydidthecivillawoftheRomanEmpirerecognize theweeklyrecurrence,determiningthatonthedayofthe sunthejudges,thepeopleofthecitiesandthevarious tradecorporationswouldnotwork.(107)Christians rejoicedtoseethusremovedtheobstacleswhichuntil thenhadsometimesmadeobservanceoftheLordsDay heroic.Theycouldnowdevotethemselvestoprayerin commonwithouthindrance.(108) Itwouldthereforebewrongtoseeinthislegislationofthe rhythmoftheweekamerehistoricalcircumstancewithno specialsignificancefortheChurchandwhichshecould simplysetaside.EvenafterthefalloftheEmpire,the

Councilsdidnotceasetoinsistuponthearrangements regardingSundayrest.IncountrieswhereChristiansare intheminorityandwherethefestivedaysofthecalendar donotcoincidewithSunday,itisstillSundaywhich remainstheLordsDay,thedayonwhichthefaithful cometogetherfortheEucharisticassembly.Butthis involvesrealsacrifices.ForChristiansitisnotnormalthat Sunday,thedayofjoyfulcelebration,shouldnotalsobea dayofrest,anditisdifficultforthemtokeepSundayholy iftheydonothaveenoughfreetime. 65.Bycontrast,thelinkbetweentheLordsDayandthe dayofrestincivilsocietyhasameaningandimportance whichgobeyondthedistinctlyChristianpointofview. Thealternationbetweenworkandrest,builtintohuman nature,iswilledbyGodhimself,asappearsinthecreation storyintheBookofGenesis(cf.2:23;Ex20:811):restis somethingsacred,becauseitismanswayof withdrawingfromthesometimesexcessivelydemanding cycleofearthlytasksinordertorenewhisawarenessthat everythingistheworkofGod.Thereisariskthatthe prodigiouspowerovercreationwhichGodgivestoman canleadhimtoforgetthatGodistheCreatoruponwhom

everythingdepends.Itisallthemoreurgenttorecognize thisdependenceinourowntime,whenscienceand technologyhavesoincrediblyincreasedthepowerwhich manexercisesthroughhiswork. 66.Finally,itshouldnotbeforgottenthateveninourown dayworkisveryoppressiveformanypeople,either becauseofmiserableworkingconditionsandlonghours especiallyinthepoorerregionsoftheworldor becauseofthepersistenceineconomicallymore developedsocietiesoftoomanycasesofinjusticeand exploitationofmanbyman.When,throughthecenturies, shehasmadelawsconcerningSundayrest,(109)the Churchhashadinmindabovealltheworkofservants andworkers,certainlynotbecausethisworkwasanyless worthywhencomparedtothespiritualrequirementsof Sundayobservance,butratherbecauseitneededgreater regulationtolightenitsburdenandthusenableeveryone tokeeptheLordsDayholy.Inthismatter,my predecessorPopeLeoXIIIinhisEncyclicalRerum NovarumspokeofSundayrestasaworkersrightwhich theStatemustguarantee.(110)

Inourownhistoricalcontextthereremainstheobligation toensurethateveryonecanenjoythefreedom,restand relaxationwhichhumandignityrequires,togetherwith theassociatedreligious,family,culturalandinterpersonal needswhicharedifficulttomeetifthereisnoguarantee ofatleastonedayoftheweekonwhichpeoplecanboth restandcelebrate.Naturally,thisrightofworkerstorest presupposestheirrighttoworkand,aswereflectonthe questionoftheChristianunderstandingofSunday,we cannotbutrecallwithadeepsenseofsolidaritythe hardshipofcountlessmenandwomenwho,becauseof thelackofjobs,areforcedtoremaininactiveonworkdays aswell. 67.ThroughSundayrest,dailyconcernsandtaskscan findtheirproperperspective:thematerialthingsabout whichweworrygivewaytospiritualvalues;inamoment ofencounterandlesspressuredexchange,weseethetrue faceofthepeoplewithwhomwelive.Eventhebeautiesof naturetoooftenmarredbythedesiretoexploit,which turnsagainstmanhimselfcanberediscoveredand enjoyedtothefull.Asthedayonwhichmanisatpeace withGod,withhimselfandwithothers,Sundaybecomes

amomentwhenpeoplecanlookanewuponthewonders ofnature,allowingthemselvestobecaughtupinthat marvellousandmysteriousharmonywhich,inthewords ofSaintAmbrose,wedsthemanyelementsofthecosmos inabondofcommunionandpeacebyaninviolablelaw ofconcordandlove.(111)Menandwomenthencometo adeepersense,astheApostlesays,thateverything createdbyGodisgoodandnothingistoberejectedifitis receivedwiththanksgiving,forthenitisconsecratedby thewordofGodandprayer(1Tim4:45).Ifaftersixdays ofworkreducedinfacttofiveformanypeople peoplelookfortimetorelaxandtopaymoreattentionto otheraspectsoftheirlives,thiscorrespondstoan authenticneedwhichisinfullharmonywiththevisionof theGospelmessage.Believersarethereforecalledto satisfythisneedinawayconsistentwiththe manifestationoftheirpersonalandcommunityfaith,as expressedinthecelebrationandsanctificationofthe LordsDay. Therefore,alsointheparticularcircumstancesofourown time,Christianswillnaturallystrivetoensurethatcivil legislationrespectstheirdutytokeepSundayholy.Inany

case,theyareobligedinconsciencetoarrangetheir Sundayrestinawaywhichallowsthemtotakepartinthe Eucharist,refrainingfromworkandactivitieswhichare incompatiblewiththesanctificationoftheLordsDay, withitscharacteristicjoyandnecessaryrestforspiritand body.(112) 68.Inorderthatrestmaynotdegenerateintoemptinessor boredom,itmustofferspiritualenrichment,greater freedom,opportunitiesforcontemplationandfraternal communion.Therefore,amongtheformsofcultureand entertainmentwhichsocietyoffers,thefaithfulshould choosethosewhicharemostinkeepingwithalifelivedin obediencetothepreceptsoftheGospel.Sundayrestthen becomesprophetic,affirmingnotonlytheabsolute primacyofGod,butalsotheprimacyanddignityofthe personwithrespecttothedemandsofsocialand economiclife,andanticipatinginacertainsensethenew heavensandthenewearth,inwhichliberationfrom slaverytoneedswillbefinalandcomplete.Inshort,the LordsDaythusbecomesinthetruestsensethedayof manaswell.

Adayofsolidarity 69.Sundayshouldalsogivethefaithfulanopportunityto devotethemselvestoworksofmercy,charityand apostolate.ToexperiencethejoyoftheRisenLorddeep withinistosharefullythelovewhichpulsesinhisheart: thereisnojoywithoutlove!Jesushimselfexplainsthis, linkingthenewcommandmentwiththegiftofjoy:If youkeepmycommandments,youwillremaininmylove, justasIhavekepttheFatherscommandmentsand remaininhislove.Ihavetoldyouthisthatmyownjoy maybeinyouandyourjoymaybecomplete.Thisismy commandment:thatyouloveoneanotherasIhaveloved you(Jn15:1012). TheSundayEucharist,therefore,notonlydoesnot absolvethefaithfulfromthedutiesofcharity,butonthe contrarycommitsthemevenmoretoalltheworksof charity,ofmercy,ofapostolicoutreach,bymeansof whichitisseenthatthefaithfulofChristarenotofthis worldandyetarethelightoftheworld,givinggloryto theFatherinthepresenceofmen.(113)

70.EversinceApostolictimes,theSundaygatheringhas infactbeenforChristiansamomentoffraternalsharing withtheverypoor.Onthefirstdayoftheweek,eachof youistoputasideandsavewhateverextrayouearn(1 Cor16:2),saysSaintPaulreferringtothecollection organizedforthepoorChurchesofJudaea.IntheSunday Eucharist,thebelievingheartopenswidetoembraceall aspectsoftheChurch.Butthefullrangeoftheapostolic summonsneedstobeaccepted:farfromtryingtocreatea narrowgiftmentality,Paulcallsratherforademanding cultureofsharing,tobelivednotonlyamongthe membersofthecommunityitselfbutalsoinsocietyasa whole.(114)Morethanever,weneedtolistenonceagain tothesternwarningwhichPauladdressestothe communityatCorinth,guiltyofhavinghumiliatedthe poorinthefraternalagapewhichaccompaniedtheLords Supper:Whenyoumeettogether,itisnottheLords Supperthatyoueat.Forineating,eachonegoesahead withhisownmeal,andoneishungryandanotheris drunk.What!Doyounothavehousestoeatanddrinkin? OrdoyoudespisetheChurchofGodandhumiliatethose whohavenothing?(1Cor11:2022).Jamesisequally forcefulinwhathewrites:Ifamanwithgoldringsandin

fineclothingcomesintoyourassemblyandapoormanin shabbyclothingalsocomesin,andyoupayattentionto theonewhowearsthefineclothingandsay,Takeaseat here,please,whileyousaytothepoorman,Standthere, or,Sitatmyfeet,haveyounotmadedistinctionsamong yourselves,andbecomejudgeswithevilthoughts?(2:2 4). 71.TheteachingsoftheApostlesstruckasympathetic chordfromtheearliestcenturies,andevokedstrong echoesinthepreachingoftheFathersoftheChurch.Saint Ambroseaddressedwordsoffiretotherichwho presumedtofulfiltheirreligiousobligationsbyattending churchwithoutsharingtheirgoodswiththepoor,and whoperhapsevenexploitedthem:Youwhoarerich,do youhearwhattheLordGodsays?Yetyoucomeinto churchnottogivetothepoorbuttotakeinstead.(115) SaintJohnChrysostomisnolessdemanding:Doyou wishtohonourthebodyofChrist?Donotignorehim whenheisnaked.Donotpayhimhomageinthetemple cladinsilkonlythentoneglecthimoutsidewherehe sufferscoldandnakedness.Hewhosaid:Thisismy bodyisthesameOnewhosaid:Yousawmehungryand

yougavemenofood,andWhateveryoudidtotheleast ofmybrothersyoudidalsotome...Whatgoodisitifthe Eucharistictableisoverloadedwithgoldenchalices,when heisdyingofhunger?Startbysatisfyinghishunger,and thenwithwhatisleftyoumayadornthealtaraswell. (116) ThesewordseffectivelyremindtheChristiancommunity ofthedutytomaketheEucharisttheplacewhere fraternitybecomespracticalsolidarity,wherethelastare thefirstinthemindsandattentionsofthebrethren,where Christhimselfthroughthegenerousgiftsfromtherich totheverypoormaysomehowprolongintimethe miracleofthemultiplicationoftheloaves.(117) 72.TheEucharistisaneventandprogrammeoftrue brotherhood.FromtheSundayMassthereflowsatideof charitydestinedtospreadintothewholelifeofthe faithful,beginningbyinspiringtheverywayinwhich theylivetherestofSunday.IfSundayisadayofjoy, Christiansshoulddeclarebytheiractualbehaviourthat wecannotbehappyonourown.Theylookaroundto findpeoplewhomayneedtheirhelp.Itmaybethatin

theirneighbourhoodoramongthosetheyknowthereare sickpeople,elderlypeople,childrenorimmigrantswho preciselyonSundaysfeelmorekeenlytheirisolation, needsandsuffering.Itistruethatcommitmenttothese peoplecannotberestrictedtooccasionalSundaygestures. Butpresumingawidersenseofcommitment,whynot maketheLordsDayamoreintensetimeofsharing, encouragingalltheinventivenessofwhichChristian charityiscapable?Invitingtoamealpeoplewhoare alone,visitingthesick,providingfoodforneedyfamilies, spendingafewhoursinvoluntaryworkandactsof solidarity:thesewouldcertainlybewaysofbringinginto peopleslivestheloveofChristreceivedattheEucharistic table. 73.Livedinthisway,notonlytheSundayEucharistbut thewholeofSundaybecomesagreatschoolofcharity, justiceandpeace.ThepresenceoftheRisenLordinthe midstofhispeoplebecomesanundertakingofsolidarity, acompellingforceforinnerrenewal,aninspirationto changethestructuresofsininwhichindividuals, communitiesandattimesentirepeoplesareentangled. Farfrombeinganescape,theChristianSundayisa

prophecyinscribedontimeitself,aprophecyobliging thefaithfultofollowinthefootstepsoftheOnewhocame topreachgoodnewstothepoor,toproclaimreleaseto captivesandnewsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythose whoareoppressed,andtoproclaimtheacceptableyearof theLord(Lk4:1819).IntheSundaycommemorationof Easter,believerslearnfromChrist,andrememberinghis promise:Ileaveyoupeace,mypeaceIgiveyou(Jn 14:27),theybecomeintheirturnbuildersofpeace. CHAPTERV DIESDIERUM Sunday:thePrimordialFeast, RevealingtheMeaningofTime ChristtheAlphaandOmegaoftime

74.InChristianitytimehasafundamentalimportance. Withinthedimensionoftimetheworldwascreated; withinitthehistoryofsalvationunfolds,findingits culminationinthefullnessoftimeoftheIncarnation,and itsgoalinthegloriousreturnoftheSonofGodattheend oftime.InJesusChrist,theWordmadeflesh,time becomesadimensionofGod,whoishimselfeternal. (118) InthelightoftheNewTestament,theyearsofChrists earthlylifetrulyconstitutethecentreoftime;thiscentre reachesitsapexintheResurrection.ItistruethatJesusis Godmademanfromtheverymomentofhisconceptionin thewomboftheBlessedVirgin,butonlyinthe Resurrectionishishumanitywhollytransfiguredand glorified,thusrevealingthefullnessofhisdivineidentity andglory.InhisspeechinthesynagogueatAntiochin Pisidia(cf.Acts13:33),PaulappliesthewordsofPsalm2 totheResurrectionofChrist:YouaremySon,thisdayI havebegottenyou(v.7).Itispreciselyforthisreason that,incelebratingtheEasterVigil,theChurchacclaims theRisenChristastheBeginningandEnd,theAlphaand Omega.Thesearethewordsspokenbythecelebrantas

hepreparesthePaschalcandle,whichbearsthenumberof thecurrentyear.ThesewordsclearlyattestthatChristis theLordoftime;heisitsbeginninganditsend;every year,everydayandeverymomentareembracedbyhis IncarnationandResurrection,andthusbecomepartofthe fullnessoftime.(119) 75.SinceSundayistheweeklyEaster,recallingand makingpresentthedayuponwhichChristrosefromthe dead,itisalsothedaywhichrevealsthemeaningoftime. Ithasnothingincommonwiththecosmiccycles accordingtowhichnaturalreligionandhumanculture tendtoimposeastructureontime,succumbingperhaps tothemythofeternalreturn.TheChristianSundayis whollyother!SpringingfromtheResurrection,itcuts throughhumantime,themonths,theyears,thecenturies, likeadirectionalarrowwhichpointsthemtowardstheir target:ChristsSecondComing.Sundayforeshadowsthe lastday,thedayoftheParousia,whichinawayisalready anticipatedbyChristsgloryintheeventofthe Resurrection.

Infact,everythingthatwillhappenuntiltheendofthe worldwillbenomorethananextensionandunfoldingof whathappenedonthedaywhenthebatteredbodyofthe CrucifiedLordwasraisedbythepoweroftheSpiritand becameinturnthewellspringoftheSpiritforall humanity.Christiansknowthatthereisnoneedtowait foranothertimeofsalvation,since,howeverlongthe worldmaylast,theyarealreadylivinginthelasttimes. NotonlytheChurch,butthecosmositselfandhistoryare ceaselesslyruledandgovernedbytheglorifiedChrist.Itis thislifeforcewhichpropelscreation,groaninginbirth pangsuntilnow(Rom8:22),towardsthegoalofitsfull redemption.Mankindcanhaveonlyafaintintuitionof thisprocess,butChristianshavethekeyandthecertainty. KeepingSundayholyistheimportantwitnesswhichthey arecalledtobear,sothateverystageofhumanhistory willbeupheldbyhope. SundayintheLiturgicalYear 76.Withitsweeklyrecurrence,theLordsDayisrootedin themostancienttraditionoftheChurchandisvitally importantfortheChristian.Buttherewasanotherrhythm

whichsoonestablisheditself:theannualliturgicalcycle. Humanpsychologyinfactdesiresthecelebrationof anniversaries,associatingthereturnofdatesandseasons withtheremembranceofpastevents.Whentheseevents aredecisiveinthelifeofapeople,theircelebration generallycreatesafestiveatmospherewhichbreaksthe monotonyofdailyroutine. Now,byGodsdesign,thegreatsavingeventsupon whichtheChurchslifeisfoundedwerecloselylinkedto theannualJewishfeastsofPassoverandPentecost,and werepropheticallyforeshadowedinthem.Sincethe secondcentury,theannualcelebrationofEasterby ChristianshavingbeenaddedtotheweeklyEaster celebrationallowedamoreamplemeditationonthe mysteryofChristcrucifiedandrisen.Precededbya preparatoryfast,celebratedinthecourseofalongvigil, extendedintothefiftydaysleadingtoPentecost,thefeast ofEastersolemnityofsolemnitiesbecametheday parexcellencefortheinitiationofcatechumens.Through baptismtheydietosinandrisetoanewlifebecauseJesus wasputtodeathforoursinsandraisedforour justification(Rom4:25;cf.6:311).Intimatelyconnectedto

thePaschalMystery,theSolemnityofPentecosttakeson specialimportance,celebratingasitdoesthecomingof theHolySpiritupontheApostlesgatheredwithMaryand inauguratingthemissiontoallpeoples.(120) 77.Asimilarcommemorativelogicguidedthe arrangementoftheentireLiturgicalYear.AstheSecond VaticanCouncilrecalls,theChurchwishedtoextend throughouttheyeartheentiremysteryofChrist,fromthe IncarnationandNativitytotheAscension,tothedayof Pentecostandtothewaitinginblessedhopeforthereturn oftheLord.Rememberinginthiswaythemysteriesof redemption,theChurchopenstothefaithfulthetreasury oftheLordspowerandmerits,makingthempresentin somesensetoalltimes,sothatthefaithfulmayapproach themandbefilledbythemwiththegraceofsalvation. (121) AfterEasterandPentecost,themostsolemncelebrationis undoubtedlytheNativityoftheLord,whenChristians ponderthemysteryoftheIncarnationandcontemplate theWordofGodwhodeignstoassumeourhumanityin ordertogiveusashareinhisdivinity.

 78.Likewise,incelebratingthisannualcycleofthe mysteriesofChrist,theholyChurchvenerateswith speciallovetheBlessedVirginMary,MotherofGod, unitedforeverwiththesavingworkofherSon.(122)Ina similarway,byinsertingintotheannualcyclethe commemorationofthemartyrsandothersaintsonthe occasionoftheiranniversaries,theChurchproclaimsthe EastermysteryofthesaintswhosufferedwithChristand withhimarenowglorified.(123)Whencelebratedinthe truespiritoftheliturgy,thecommemorationofthesaints doesnotobscurethecentralityofChrist,butonthe contraryextolsit,demonstratingasitdoesthepowerof theredemptionwroughtbyhim.AsSaintPaulinusof Nolasings,allthingspass,butthegloryofthesaints enduresinChrist,whorenewsallthings,whilehehimself remainsunchanged.(124)Theintrinsicrelationship betweenthegloryofthesaintsandthatofChristisbuilt intotheveryarrangementoftheLiturgicalYear,andis expressedmosteloquentlyinthefundamentaland sovereigncharacterofSundayastheLordsDay. FollowingtheseasonsoftheLiturgicalYearintheSunday observancewhichstructuresitfrombeginningtoend,the

ecclesialandspiritualcommitmentofChristianscomesto beprofoundlyanchoredinChrist,inwhombelieversfind theirreasonforlivingandfromwhomtheydraw sustenanceandinspiration. 79.Sundayemergesthereforeasthenaturalmodelfor understandingandcelebratingthesefeastdaysofthe LiturgicalYear,whichareofsuchvaluefortheChristian lifethattheChurchhaschosentoemphasizetheir importancebymakingitobligatoryforthefaithfulto attendMassandtoobserveatimeofrest,eventhough thesefeastdaysmayfallonvariabledaysoftheweek. (125)Theirnumberhasbeenchangedfromtimetotime, takingintoaccountsocialandeconomicconditions,asalso howfirmlytheyareestablishedintradition,andhowwell theyaresupportedbycivillegislation.(126) Thepresentcanonicalandliturgicalprovisionsalloweach EpiscopalConference,becauseofparticularcircumstances inonecountryoranother,toreducethelistofHolyDays ofobligation.Anydecisioninthisregardneedstoreceive thespecialapprovaloftheApostolicSee,(127)andinsuch casesthecelebrationofamysteryoftheLord,suchasthe

Epiphany,theAscensionortheSolemnityoftheBodyand BloodofChrist,mustbetransferredtoSunday,in accordancewithliturgicalnorms,sothatthefaithfulare notdeniedthechancetomeditateuponthemystery.(128) Pastorsshouldalsotakecaretoencouragethefaithfulto attendMassonotherimportantfeastdayscelebrated duringtheweek.(129) 80.Thereisaneedforspecialpastoralattentiontothe manysituationswherethereisariskthatthepopularand culturaltraditionsofaregionmayintrudeuponthe celebrationofSundaysandotherliturgicalfeastdays, minglingthespiritofgenuineChristianfaithwith elementswhichareforeigntoitandmaydistortit.Insuch cases,catechesisandwellchosenpastoralinitiativesneed toclarifythesesituations,eliminatingallthatis incompatiblewiththeGospelofChrist.Atthesametime, itshouldnotbeforgottenthatthesetraditionsand,by analogy,somerecentculturalinitiativesincivilsociety oftenembodyvalueswhicharenotdifficulttointegrate withthedemandsoffaith.Itrestswiththediscernmentof Pastorstopreservethegenuinevaluesfoundinthe cultureofaparticularsocialcontextandespeciallyin

popularpiety,sothatliturgicalcelebrationaboveallon Sundaysandholydaysdoesnotsufferbutrathermay actuallybenefit.(130) CONCLUSION 81.ThespiritualandpastoralrichesofSunday,asithas beenhandedontousbytradition,aretrulygreat.When itssignificanceandimplicationsareunderstoodintheir entirety,Sundayinawaybecomesasynthesisofthe Christianlifeandaconditionforlivingitwell.Itisclear thereforewhytheobservanceoftheLordsDayissoclose totheChurchsheart,andwhyintheChurchsdiscipline itremainsarealobligation.Yetmorethanasaprecept,the observanceshouldbeseenasaneedrisingfromthe depthsofChristianlife.Itiscruciallyimportantthatallthe faithfulshouldbeconvincedthattheycannotlivetheir faithorsharefullyinthelifeoftheChristiancommunity unlesstheytakepartregularlyintheSundayEucharistic assembly.TheEucharististhefullrealizationofthe worshipwhichhumanityowestoGod,anditcannotbe

comparedtoanyotherreligiousexperience.Aparticularly efficaciousexpressionofthisistheSundaygatheringof theentirecommunity,obedienttothevoiceoftheRisen Lordwhocallsthefaithfultogethertogivethemthelight ofhiswordandthenourishmentofhisBodyasthe perennialsacramentalwellspringofredemption.The graceflowingfromthiswellspringrenewsmankind,life andhistory. 82.Itiswiththisstrongconvictionoffaith,andwith awarenessoftheheritageofhumanvalueswhichthe observanceofSundayentails,thatChristianstodaymust facetheenticementsofaculturewhichhasacceptedthe benefitsofrestandfreetime,butwhichoftenusesthem frivolouslyandisattimesattractedbymorally questionableformsofentertainment.Certainly,Christians arenodifferentfromotherpeopleinenjoyingtheweekly dayofrest;butatthesametimetheyarekeenlyawareof theuniquenessandoriginalityofSunday,thedayon whichtheyarecalledtocelebratetheirsalvationandthe salvationofallhumanity.Sundayisthedayofjoyandthe dayofrestpreciselybecauseitistheLordsDay,theday oftheRisenLord.

 83.Understoodandlivedinthisfashion,Sundayinaway becomesthesouloftheotherdays,andinthissensewe canrecalltheinsightofOrigenthattheperfectChristian isalwaysintheLordsDay,andisalwayscelebrating Sunday.(131)Sundayisatrueschool,anenduring programmeofChurchpedagogyanirreplaceable pedagogy,especiallywithsocialconditionsnowmarked moreandmorebyafragmentationandculturalpluralism whichconstantlytestthefaithfulnessofindividual Christianstothepracticaldemandsoftheirfaith.Inmany partsoftheworld,weseeadiasporaChristianity,which isputtothetestbecausethescattereddisciplesofChrist cannolongereasilymaintaincontactwithoneanother, andlackthesupportofthestructuresandtraditions propertoChristianculture.Inasituationofsuch difficulty,theopportunitytocometogetheronSundays withfellowbelievers,exchanginggiftsofbrotherhood,is anindispensablehelp. 84.SustainingChristianlifeasitdoes,Sundayhasthe additionalvalueofbeingatestimonyandaproclamation. Asadayofprayer,communionandjoy,Sundayresounds

throughoutsociety,emanatingvitalenergiesandreasons forhope.Sundayistheproclamationthattime,inwhich hewhoistheRisenLordofhistorymakeshishome,isnot thegraveofourillusionsbutthecradleofanevernew future,anopportunitygiventoustoturnthefleeting momentsofthislifeintoseedsofeternity.Sundayisan invitationtolookahead;itisthedayonwhichthe ChristiancommunitycriesouttoChrist,Maranatha: Come,OLord!(1Cor16:22).Withthiscryofhopeand expectation,theChurchisthecompanionandsupportof humanhope.FromSundaytoSunday,enlightenedby Christ,shegoesforwardtowardstheunendingSundayof theheavenlyJerusalem,whichhasnoneedofthesunor moontoshineuponit,forthegloryofGodisitslightand itslampistheLamb(Rev21:23). 85.Asshestrainstowardshergoal,theChurchis sustainedandenlivenedbytheSpirit.Itishewho awakensmemoryandmakespresentforeverygeneration ofbelieverstheeventoftheResurrection.Heistheinward giftunitingustotheRisenLordandtoourbrothersand sistersintheintimacyofasinglebody,revivingourfaith, fillingourheartswithcharityandrenewingourhope.The

SpiritisunfailinglypresenttoeveryoneoftheChurchs days,appearingunpredictablyandlavishlywiththe wealthofhisgifts.ButitisintheSundaygatheringforthe weeklycelebrationofEasterthattheChurchlistenstothe SpiritinaspecialwayandreachesoutwithhimtoChrist intheardentdesirethathereturninglory:TheSpiritand theBridesay,Come!(Rev22:17).Preciselyin considerationoftheroleoftheSpirit,Ihavewishedthat thisexhortationaimedatrediscoveringthemeaningof Sundayshouldappearinthisyearwhich,inthe immediatepreparationfortheJubilee,isdedicatedtothe HolySpirit. 86.IentrustthisApostolicLettertotheintercessionofthe BlessedVirgin,thatitmaybereceivedandputinto practicebytheChristiancommunity.Withoutinanyway detractingfromthecentralityofChristandhisSpirit, MaryisalwayspresentintheChurchsSunday.Itisthe mysteryofChristitselfwhichdemandsthis:indeed,how couldshewhoisMaterDominiandMaterEcclesiaefailto beuniquelypresentonthedaywhichisbothdiesDomini anddiesEcclesiae?

AstheylistentothewordproclaimedintheSunday assembly,thefaithfullooktotheVirginMary,learning fromhertokeepitandponderitintheirhearts(cf.Lk 2:19).WithMary,theylearntostandatthefootofthe Cross,offeringtotheFatherthesacrificeofChristand joiningtoittheofferingoftheirownlives.WithMary, theyexperiencethejoyoftheResurrection,makingtheir ownthewordsoftheMagnificatwhichextolthe inexhaustiblegiftofdivinemercyintheinexorableflowof time:Hismercyisfromagetoageuponthosewhofear him(Lk1:50).FromSundaytoSunday,thepilgrim peoplefollowinthefootstepsofMary,andhermaternal intercessiongivesspecialpowerandfervourtotheprayer whichrisesfromtheChurchtotheMostHolyTrinity. 87.DearBrothersandSisters,theimminenceoftheJubilee invitesustoadeeperspiritualandpastoralcommitment. Indeed,thisisitstruepurpose.IntheJubileeyear,much willbedonetogiveittheparticularstampdemandedby theendingoftheSecondMillenniumandthebeginningof theThirdsincetheIncarnationoftheWordofGod.But thisyearandthisspecialtimewillpass,aswelookto otherjubileesandothersolemnevents.Astheweekly

solemnity,however,Sundaywillcontinuetoshapethe timeoftheChurchspilgrimage,untilthatSundaywhich willknownoevening. Therefore,dearBrotherBishopsandPriests,Iurgeyouto worktirelesslywiththefaithfultoensurethatthevalueof thissacreddayisunderstoodandlivedevermoredeeply. ThiswillbearrichfruitinChristiancommunities,andwill notfailtohaveapositiveinfluenceoncivilsocietyasa whole. IncomingtoknowtheChurch,whicheverySunday joyfullycelebratesthemysteryfromwhichshedrawsher life,maythemenandwomenoftheThirdMillennium cometoknowtheRisenChrist.Andconstantlyrenewed bytheweeklycommemorationofEaster,mayChrists disciplesbeevermorecredibleinproclaimingtheGospel ofsalvationandevermoreeffectiveinbuildingthe civilizationoflove. Myblessingtoyouall!

FromtheVatican,on31May,theSolemnityofPentecost, intheyear1998,thetwentiethofmyPontificate. INDEX Introduction ChapterI DIESDOMINI TheCelebrationoftheCreatorsWork Throughhimallthingsweremade(Jn1:3) Inthebeginning,Godcreatedtheheavensandtheearth (Gn1:1) Shabbat:theCreatorsjoyfulrest Godblessedtheseventhdayandmadeitholy(Gn2:3)

 Tokeepholybyremembering FromtheSabbathtoSunday ChapterII DIESCHRISTI TheDayoftheRisenLordandoftheGiftoftheHoly Spirit TheweeklyEaster Thefirstdayoftheweek GrowingdistinctionfromtheSabbath Thedayofthenewcreation Theeighthday:imageofeternity ThedayofChristLight ThedayofthegiftoftheSpirit

 Thedayoffaith Anindispensableday! ChapterIII DIESECCLESIAE TheEucharisticAssembly:HeartofSunday ThepresenceoftheRisenLord TheEucharisticassembly TheSundayEucharist ThedayoftheChurch Apilgrimpeople Thedayofhope Thetableoftheword

ThetableoftheBodyofChrist Easterbanquetandfraternalgathering FromMasstomission TheSundayobligation Ajoyfulcelebrationinsong Acelebrationinvolvingall OthermomentsoftheChristianSunday Sundayassemblieswithoutapriest Radioandtelevision ChapterIV DIESHOMINIS Sunday:DayofJoy,RestandSolidarity ThefulljoyofChrist

 ThefulfilmentoftheSabbath Thedayofrest Adayofsolidarity ChapterV DIESDIERUM Sunday:thePrimordialFeast,RevealingtheMeaningof Time ChristtheAlphaandOmegaoftime SundayintheLiturgicalYear Conclusion

(1)Cf.Rev1:10:Kyriakehemra;cf.alsotheDidach14, 1,SaintIgnatiusofAntioch,TotheMagnesians9,12;SC 10,8889. (2)PseudoEusebiusofAlexandria,Sermon16:PG86,416. (3)InDieDominicaPaschaeII,52:CCL78,550. (4)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Constitutionon theSacredLiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,106. (5)Ibid. (6)Cf.MotuProprioMysteriiPaschalis(14February1969): AAS61(1969),222226. (7)Cf.PastoralNoteoftheItalianEpiscopalConferenceIl giornodelSignore(15July1984),5:EnchiridionCEI3, 1398. (8)ConstitutionontheSacredLiturgySacrosanctum Concilium,106.

(9)HomilyfortheSolemnInaugurationofthePontificate (22October1978),5:AAS70(1978),947. (10)No.25:AAS73(1981),639. (11)PastoralConstitutionontheChurchintheModern WorldGaudiumetSpes,34. (12)ForourJewishbrothersandsisters,anuptial spiritualitycharacterizestheSabbath,asappears,for example,intextsofGenesisRabbahsuchasX,9andXI,8 (cf.J.Neusner,GenesisRabbah,vol.I,Atlanta1985,p.107 andp.117).ThesongLekaDdiisalsonuptialintone: YourGodwilldelightinyou,astheBridegroomdelights intheBride...Inthemidstofthefaithfulofyourbeloved people,comeOBride,OShabbatQueen(cf.Preghiera seraledelsabato,issuedbyA.Toaff,Rome,196869,p.3). (13)Cf.A.J.Heschel,TheSabbath:ItsMeaningfor ModernMan(22nded.,1995),pp.324.

(14)Verumautemsabbatumipsumredemptorem nostrumIesumChristumDominumhabemus:Epist.13, 1:CCL140A,992. (15)Ep.adDecentiumXXV,4,7:PL20,555. (16)HomiliaeinHexaemeronII,8:SC26,184. (17)Cf.InIo.Ev.TractatusXX,20,2:CCL36,203;Epist. 55,2:CSEL34,170171. (18)ThereferencetotheResurrectionisespeciallyclearin Russian,whichcallsSundaysimplyResurrection (Voskresenie). (19)Epist.10,96,7. (20)Cf.ibid.InreferencetoPlinysletter,Tertullianalso recallsthecoetusantelucaniinApologeticum2,6:CCL1, 88;DeCorona3,3:CCL2,1043. (21)TotheMagnesians9,12:SC10,8889.

(22)Sermon8intheOctaveofEaster4:PL46,841.This senseofSundayasthefirstdayisclearintheLatin liturgicalcalendar,whereMondayiscalledferiasecunda, Tuesdayferiatertiaandsoon.InPortuguese,thedaysare namedinthesameway. (23)SaintGregoryofNyssa,DeCastigatione:PG46,309. TheMaroniteLiturgyalsostressesthelinkbetweenthe SabbathandSunday,beginningwiththemysteryofHoly Saturday(cf.M.Hayek,Maronite[Eglise],Dictionnaire despiritualit,X[1980],632644).] (24)RiteofBaptismofChildren,No.9;cf.RiteofChristian InitiationofAdults,No.59. (25)Cf.RomanMissal,RiteofBlessingandSprinklingof HolyWater. (26)Cf.SaintBasil,OntheHolySpirit,27,66:SC17,484 485.Cf.alsoLetterofBarnabas15,89:SC172,186189; SaintJustin,DialoguewithTrypho24;138:PG6,528,793; Origen,CommentaryonthePsalms,Psalm118(119),1:PG 12,1588.

 (27)Domine,praestitistinobispacemquietis,pacem sabbati,pacemsinevespera:Confess.,13,50:CCL27,272. (28)Cf.SaintAugustine,Epist.55,17:CSEL34,188:Ita ergoeritoctavus,quiprimus,utprimavitasedaeterna reddatur. (29)ThusinEnglishSundayandinGermanSonntag. (30)ApologiaI,67:PG6,430. (31)Cf.SaintMaximusofTurin,Sermo44,1:CCL23,178; Sermo53,2:CCL23,219;EusebiusofCaesarea,Comm.in Ps.91:PG23,11691173. (32)See,forexample,theHymnoftheOfficeofReadings: Diesaetasqueceterisoctavasplendetsanctiorintequam, Iesu,consecrasprimitiaesurgentium(WeekI);andalso: Salvedies,dierumgloria,diesfelixChristivictoria,dies dignaiugilaetitiadiesprima.Luxdivinacaecisirradiat,in quaChristusinfernumspoliat,mortemvincitetreconciliat summisima(WeekII).Similarexpressionsarefoundin

hymnsincludedintheLiturgyoftheHoursinvarious modernlanguages. (33)Cf.ClementofAlexandria,Stromata,VI,138,12:PG 9,364. (34)Cf.JohnPaulII,EncyclicalLetterDominumet Vivificantem(18May1986),2226:AAS78(1986),829837. (35)Cf.SaintAthanasiusofAlexandria,SundayLetters1, 10:PG26,1366. (36)Cf.Bardesanes,DialogueonDestiny,46:PS2,606 607. (37)ConstitutionontheSacredLiturgySacrosanctum Concilium,Appendix:DeclarationontheReformofthe Calendar. (38)Cf.SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Dogmatic ConstitutionontheChurchLumenGentium,9.

(39)Cf.JohnPaulII,LetterDominicaeCenae(24February 1980),4:AAS72(1980),120;EncyclicalLetterDominumet Vivificantem(18May1986),6264:AAS78(1986),889894. (40)Cf.JohnPaulII,ApostolicLetterVicesimusQuintus Annus(4December1988),9:AAS81(1989),905906. (41)No.2177. (42)Cf.JohnPaulII,ApostolicLetterVicesimusQuintus Annus(4December1988),9:AAS81(1989),905906. (43)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Constitutionon theSacredLiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,41;cf.Decree onthePastoralOfficeofBishopsintheChurchChristus Dominus,15. (44)ThesearethewordsoftheEmbolism,formulatedin thisorsimilarwaysinsomeoftheEucharisticPrayersof thedifferentlanguages.Theystresspowerfullythe PaschalcharacterofSunday.

(45)Cf.CongregationfortheDoctrineoftheFaith,Letter totheBishopsoftheCatholicChurchonCertainAspects oftheChurchasCommunionCommunionisNotio(28 May1992),1114:AAS85(1993),844847. (46)SpeechtotheThirdGroupoftheBishopsofthe UnitedStatesofAmerica(17March1998),4:LOsservatore Romano,18March1998,4. (47)ConstitutionontheSacredLiturgySacrosanctum Concilium,42. (48)SacredCongregationofRites,Instructiononthe WorshipoftheEucharisticMysteryEucharisticum Mysterium(25May1967),26:AAS59(1967),555. (49)Cf.SaintCyprian,DeOrat.Dom.23:PL4,553;De Cath.Eccl.Unitate,7:CSEL31,215;SecondVatican EcumenicalCouncil,DogmaticConstitutiononthe ChurchLumenGentium,4;ConstitutionontheSacred LiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,26.

(50)Cf.JohnPaulII,ApostolicExhortationFamiliaris Consortio(22November1981),57;61:AAS74(1982),151; 154. (51)Cf.SacredCongregationforDivineWorship, DirectoryforMasseswithChildren(1November1973): AAS66(1974),3046. (52)Cf.SacredCongregationofRites,Instructiononthe WorshipoftheEucharisticMysteryEucharisticum Mysterium(25May1967),26:AAS59(1967),555556; SacredCongregationforBishops,Directoryforthe PastoralMinistryofBishopsEcclesiaeImago(22February 1973),86c:EnchiridionVaticanum4,2071. (53)Cf.JohnPaulII,PostSynodalApostolicExhortation ChristifidelesLaici(30December1988),30:AAS81(1989), 446447. (54)Cf.SacredCongregationforDivineWorship, InstructionMassesforParticularGroups(15May1969), 10:AAS61(1969),810.

(55)Cf.SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Dogmatic ConstitutionontheChurchLumenGentium,4851. (56)Haecestvitanostra,utdesiderandoexerceamur: SaintAugustine,InPrimaIoan.Tract.4,6:SC75,232. (57)RomanMissal,EmbolismaftertheLordsPrayer. (58)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Pastoral ConstitutionontheChurchintheModernWorld GaudiumetSpes,1. (59)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Dogmatic ConstitutionontheChurchLumenGentium,1;cf.John PaulII,EncyclicalLetterDominumetVivificantem(18 May1986),6164:AAS78(1986),888894. (60)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Constitutionon theSacredLiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,7;cf.33. (61)Ibid.,56;cf.OrdoLectionumMissae,Praenotanda, No.10.

(62)ConstitutionontheSacredLiturgySacrosanctum Concilium,51. (63)Cf.ibid.,52;CodeofCanonLaw,Canon767,2;Code ofCanonsoftheEasternChurches,Canon614. (64)ApostolicConstitutionMissaleRomanum(3April 1969):AAS61(1969),220. (65)TheCouncilsConstitutionSacrosanctumConcilium speaksofsuavisetvivusSacraeScripturaeaffectus(No. 24). (66)JohnPaulII,LetterDominicaeCenae(24February 1980),10:AAS72(1980),135. (67)Cf.SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Dogmatic ConstitutiononDivineRevelationDeiVerbum,25. (68)Cf.OrdoLectionumMissae,Praenotanda,Chap.III. (69)Cf.OrdoLectionumMissae,Praenotanda,Chap.I, No.6.

 (70)EcumenicalCouncilofTrent,SessionXXII,Doctrine andCanonsontheMostHolySacrificeoftheMass,II:DS 1743;cf.CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,1366. (71)CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,1368. (72)SacredCongregationofRites,Instructiononthe WorshipoftheEucharisticMysteryEucharisticum Mysterium(25May1967),3b:AAS59(1967),541;cf.Pius XII,EncyclicalLetterMediatorDei(20November1947),II: AAS39(1947),564566. (73)Cf.CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,1385;cf.also CongregationfortheDoctrineoftheFaith,Lettertothe BishopsoftheCatholicChurchconcerningtheReception ofEucharisticCommunionbyDivorcedandRemarried Faithful(14September1994):AAS86(1994),974979. (74)Cf.InnocentI,Epist.25,1toDecentiusofGubbio:PL 20,553. (75)II,59,23:ed.F.X.Funk,1905,pp.170171.

 (76)Cf.ApologiaI,67,35:PG6,430. (77)ActaSS.Saturnini,Dativietaliorumplurimorum MartyruminAfrica,7,9,10:PL8,707,709710. (78)Cf.Canon21,Mansi,Conc.II,9. (79)Cf.Canon47,Mansi,Conc.VIII,332. (80)Cf.thecontraryproposition,condemnedbyInnocent XIin1679,concerningthemoralobligationtokeepthe feastdayholy:DS2152. (81)Canon1248:FestisdepraeceptodiebusMissa audiendaest:Canon1247,1:Diesfestisubpraeceptoin universaEcclesiasunt...omnesetsingulidiesdominici. (82)CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1247;theCodeofCanons oftheEasternChurches,Canon881,1,prescribesthatthe Christianfaithfulareboundbytheobligationto participateonSundaysandfeastdaysintheDivine Liturgyor,accordingtotheprescriptionsorlegitimate

customsoftheirownChurchsuiiuris,inthecelebrationof thedivinepraises. (83)No.2181:Thosewhodeliberatelyfailinthis obligationcommitagravesin. (84)SacredCongregationforBishops,Directoryforthe PastoralMinistryofBishopsEcclesiaeImago(22February 1973),86a:EnchiridionVaticanum4,2069. (85)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon905,2. (86)Cf.PiusXII,ApostolicConstitutionChristusDominus (6January1953):AAS45(1953),1524;MotuProprio SacramCommunionem(19March1957):AAS49(1957), 177178.CongregationoftheHolyOffice,Instructionon theDisciplineconcerningtheEucharistFast(6January 1953):AAS45(1953),4751. (87)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1248,1;Codeof CanonsoftheEasternChurches,Canon881,2.

(88)Cf.MissaleRomanum,NormaeUniversalesdeAnno LiturgicoetdeCalendario,3. (89)Cf.SacredCongregationofBishops,Directoryforthe PastoralMinistryofBishopsEcclesiaeImago(22February 1973),86:EnchiridionVaticanum4,20692073. (90)Cf.SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Constitution ontheSacredLiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,14;26; JohnPaulII,ApostolicLetterVicesimusQuintusAnnus(4 December1988),4;6;12:AAS81(1989),900901;902;909 910. (91)Cf.SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Dogmatic ConstitutionontheChurchLumenGentium,10. (92)Cf.InterdicasterialInstructiononCertainQuestions concerningtheCollaborationofLayFaithfulinthe MinistryofPriestsEcclesiaedeMysterio(15August1997), 6;8:AAS89(1997),869;870872.

(93)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Dogmatic ConstitutionontheChurchLumenGentium,10:in oblationemEucharistiaeconcurrunt. (94)Ibid.,11. (95)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1248,2. (96)Cf.SacredCongregationforDivineWorship, DirectoryforSundayCelebrationsintheAbsenceofa PriestChristiEcclesia(2June1988):Enchiridion Vaticanum11,442468;InterdicasterialInstructionon CertainQuestionsconcerningtheCollaborationofLay FaithfulintheMinistryofPriestsEcclesiaedeMysterio(15 August1997):AAS89(1997),852877. (97)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1248,2;Congregation fortheDoctrineoftheFaith,LetterSacerdotium Ministeriale(6August1983),III:AAS75(1983),1007. (98)Cf.PontificalCommissionforSocialCommunications, InstructionCommunioetProgressio(23May1971),150 152;157:AAS63(1971),645646;647.

 (99)ThisistheDeaconsproclamationinhonourofthe LordsDay:cf.theSyriactextintheMissaloftheChurch ofAntiochoftheMaronites(editioninSyriacandArabic), Jounieh(Lebanon)1959,p.38. (100)V,20,11:ed.F.X.Funk,1905,p.298;cf.Didache14, 1:ed.F.X.Funk,1901,p.32;Tertullian,Apologeticum16, 11:CCL1,116.SeeinparticulartheEpistleofBarnabas, 15,9:SC172,188189:Thisiswhywecelebrateasa joyousfeasttheeighthdayonwhichJesuswasraised fromthedeadand,afterhavingappeared,ascendedinto heaven. (101)TertullianforexampletellsusthatonSundayitwas forbiddentokneel,sincekneeling,whichwasthenseenas anessentiallypenitentialgesture,seemedunsuitedtothe dayofjoy.Cf.DeCorona3,4:CCL2,1043. (102)Ep.55,28:CSEL342,202. (103)Cf.SaintThereseoftheChildJesusandtheHoly Face,Derniersentretiens,56July1897,in:Oeuvres

compltes,CerfDescledeBrouwer,Paris,1992,pp. 10241025. (104)ApostolicExhortation,GaudeteinDomino(9May 1975),II:AAS67(1975),295. (105)Ibid.VII,l.c.,322. (106)Hex.6,10,76:CSEL321,261. (107)Cf.TheEdictofConstantine,3July321:Codex TheodosianusII,tit.8,1,ed.T.Mommsen,12,p.87;Codex Iustiniani,3,12,2,ed.P.Krueger,p.248. (108)Cf.EusebiusofCaesarea,LifeofConstantine,4,18: PG20,1165. (109)Themostancienttextofthiskindiscan.29ofthe CouncilofLaodicea(secondhalfofthefourthcentury): Mansi,II,569570.Fromthesixthtotheninthcentury, manyCouncilsprohibitedoperaruralia.Thelegislation onprohibitedactivities,supportedbycivillaws,became increasinglydetailed.

 (110)Cf.EncyclicalLetterRerumNovarum(15May1891): ActaLeonisXIII11(1891),127128. (111)Hex.2,1,1:CSEL321,41. (112)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1247;Codeof CanonsoftheEasternChurches,Canon881,1;4. (113)SecondVaticanEcumenicalCouncil,Constitutionon theSacredLiturgySacrosanctumConcilium,9. (114)Cf.alsoSaintJustin,ApologiaI,67,6:Eachofthose whohaveanabundanceandwhowishtomakean offeringgivesfreelywhateverhechooses,andwhatis collectedisgiventohimwhopresidesandheassiststhe orphans,thewidows,thesick,thepoor,theprisoners,the foreignvisitorsinaword,hehelpsallthosewhoarein need:PG6,430. (115)DeNabuthae,10,45:Audis,dives,quidDominus Deusdicat?Ettuadecclesiamvenis,nonutaliquid largiarispauperi,sedutauferas:CSEL322,492.

 (116)HomiliesontheGospelofMatthew,50,34:PG58, 508509. (117)SaintPaulinusofNola,Ep.13,1112toPammachius: CSEL29,9293.TheRomanSenatorispraisedbecause,by combiningparticipationintheEucharistwithdistribution offoodtothepoor,heinasensereproducedtheGospel miracle. (118)JohnPaulII,ApostolicLetterTertioMillennio Adveniente(10November1994),10:AAS87(1995),11. (119)Ibid. (120)Cf.CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,731732. (121)ConstitutionontheSacredLiturgySacrosanctum Concilium,102. (122)Ibid.,103. (123)Ibid.,104.

 (124)Carm.XVI,34:Omniapraetereunt,sanctorum gloriaduratinChristoquicunctanovat,dumpermanet ipse:CSEL30,67. (125)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1247;Codeof CanonsoftheEasternChurches,Canon881,1;4. (126)Bygenerallaw,theholydaysofobligationinthe LatinChurcharetheFeastsoftheNativityoftheLord,the Epiphany,theAscension,theBodyandBloodofChrist, MaryMotherofGod,theImmaculateConception,the Assumption,SaintJoseph,SaintsPeterandPaulandAll Saints:cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1246.Theholydays ofobligationinalltheEasternChurchesaretheFeastsof theNativityoftheLord,theEpiphany,theAscension,the DormitionofMaryMotherofGodandSaintsPeterand Paul:cf.CodeofCanonsoftheEasternChurches,Canon 880,3. (127)Cf.CodeofCanonLaw,Canon1246,2;forthe EasternChurches,cf.CodeofCanonsoftheEastern Churches,Canon880,3.

 (128)Cf.SacredCongregationofRites,Normae UniversalesdeAnnoLiturgicoetdeCalendario(21March 1969),5,7:EnchiridionVaticanum3,895;897. (129)Cf.CaeremonialeEpiscoporum,ed.typica1995,No. 230. (130)Cf.ibid.,No.233. (131)ContraCelsumVIII,22:SC150,222224. mVIII,22:SC150,222224. (131)ContraCelsumVIII,22:SC150,222224. LiturgicoetdeCalendario(21March1969),5,7: EnchiridionVaticanum3,895;897. (129)Cf.CaeremonialeEpiscoporum,ed.typica1995,No. 230. (130)Cf.ibid.,No.233.

 (131)ContraCelsumVIII,22:SC150,222224. CopyrightLibreriaEditriceVaticana