In
our early catechism, we have been taught about the six commandments of the
Church. It is significant to recall them so that we are truly members of the
mystical body of Christ, the Church. Each of us contributes to the wellbeing
and the health of this mystical body. Christ ordained that each member of the
body must remain with Him, the Head, “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is
like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up,
thrown into fire, and burned. If you remain in Me and My Words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it be done for you” John 15:6-7. In order to remain
in Christ, we need to belong to His Body, the Church. We need to follow the
precepts of this Church of Christ in order to remain faithful to the Lord. The
precepts are enshrined for us to lead a life worthy of God; we come closer to
God through keeping His precepts, which are given to us by the Church.
Six
Precepts of the Catholic Church
1.
To respectfully and devoutly assist at the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass on all Sundays and Holydays of Obligation: To put it strongly, it is a mortal sin not to
respectfully and devoutly assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on all
Sunday and Holydays of Obligation, unless we are excused for a serious reason.
The Church has not made any amendments on this precept and we are all well
aware of this precept of the Church. The discussion here is not whether it’s a
sin or not but to encourage every Baptised Catholic to celebrate the Mass at
least on Sunday. The Mass the highest form of the sacrifice and it supersedes
every other devotion in the Church. Therefore, Sunday is the Obligation to come
to Mass.
2.
To fast and abstain on the days appointed: By fast-days
is meant days on which adults are allowed but one full meal, except for those
who are physically unable to do so and those who are 65 years old and older.
The Church commands us to fast and abstain, in order that we may mortify our
passions and satisfy for our sins.
3.
To go to Confession at least once a year during
the Easter Season: Confession once a year is an obligation for the Catholics
and this could be done during the Easter/Paschal season which ends on Trinity
Sunday.
4.
To receive the Sacrament of the Most Holy
Eucharist at least once a year during Easter Season: prior to receiving the
Holy Eucharist, one needs to confess one’s sins. This will allow Christ to make
his abode in us. One who deliberately neglects to receive the Sacrament of the
Most Holy Eucharist during the Easter time commits a mortal sin.
5.
To contribute financially to support of the
Catholic Church: St. Paul says, “Remember that the ministers serving in the
Temple get their food from the Temple and those serving at the altar can claim
their share from the altar itself. In the same sort of way the Lord directed
that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel.”
(1Cor 9:13-14). This giving includes also to the support of the Catholic Church
in order to bear their share of the expenses incurred.
6.
To never violate the laws concerning the
Sacrament of Matrimony: the law does not allow the blood relation to marry. The
command not to marry privately means that none should marry without the
Blessing of a Catholic Priest or Prelate or without witnesses.
In
conclusion, these Church precepts must help us to encounter Christ in the
Church and His people by loving God and our neighbour. We also need to learn to
educate our children of these six Church laws that are given to us to live a
life worthy of God. We also need to thank God for all the people who have been
faithful to these commands of the Church. Let us together strengthen and build
the mystical body of Christ, the Church.
