As per the New Testament, the Sabbath day has been replaced by Sunday and according to the third Commandment, Christians are instructed to “keep Holy the Sabbath day”. This was the focus of the catechetical teachings this Monday, November 25, 2024, with the Chief Catechist of the Diocese of Buea His Lordship Michael Bibi, who enlightened Christians that Sunday is a day which is Holy to the Lord, it is a day that God rested, a day in which the Israelites remember the liberation God brought to them, and it is a day to remember the irrevocable covenant that the Lord established with His people.
Bishop Bibi teaches on the 3rd commandment
After making this explanation, he told Christians to emulate God who is forever hard working and who created time too for rest. He encouraged participants to work hard and avoid laziness, and to always create time for rest.
The supreme teacher of the Gospel further told faithful that Sunday is a day to worship God, and to abstain from hard work. Christians have an obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and on solemnities without which they will be committing a mortal sin. Nevertheless, the prelate noted that staying away from Mass on Sunday because of natural happenings such as ill-health, caring for the sick, providing medical care among other justifiable reasons, is not sinful and that whatever the case may be, Christians should carry out good deeds on Sunday.
participants, St. Anthony of Padua, Buea Town
Christians were further urged to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday as this the Bishop noted is one of the ways to keep the Sabbath Holy. however, for some reasons, Masses are organized in some communities on Saturday in the evenings, to give Christians the opportunity attend Mass if they cannot do so on Sunday.
While drilling participants on the importance of respecting the Sabbath, the Local Ordinary also told them to share their blessings with others especially the poor and that the Sabbath is also a day for self-reflection and evaluation of how they live their lives as Christians.
Christians pose questions for clarification
After participants listened to the teachings , they had the opportunity to clarify faith based concerns with the teacher, leaving enriched and satisfied as they grow in their faith daily.
This session of Know your Faith, took place at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Buea Town and on Monday Dec. 2nd, it shall hold at St. Martin De Porres Parish in Bokwango.
