Are both the 7th and 8th Days Holy?

[IwishIknew]

Hi all - the 7th day (the Sabbath, Saturday) was originally the day of rest. However Christians started making the day of rest on the 8th day (that is, Sunday the day of Resurrection). Looking through Scripture, I see the 8th Day has some significance - the day of Inauguration for Aaron’s priesthood, the day of circumcision, the 8th day of the Festival of Booths (no labor). What is the difference between the meanings of the 7th Day and the 8th Day? Are both Holy and should labor be avoided on both days?

 

[Mintaka]

The seventh day is the day of perfection and completion.

The eighth day is the day of beginnings, and the renewal of Creation. It is both the first day and the eighth day, in a way. And of course, it’s the Lord’s Day and the Day of Resurrection, for us Christians.

All the days are holy, really. But we no longer keep the Sabbath as a sacred day separated from all others; we have moved that to Sunday.

That said, the early Christians often fasted on Saturday or used it as a preparation day for Sunday. Many people associate Saturday with Mary, possibly because the Sabbath was sometimes personified by Jews as a bride. So there are all sorts of special prayers and devotions associated with Saturdays, without giving it the same honor as we do Sunday.

But then, every day of the week has special Christian associations and prayers. There are special ancient hymns honoring each day in the Week of Creation that are sung in the Liturgy of the Hours, for instance.

So there’s a lot of stuff out there, if you’re interested.

 

[Abu]

From the beginning Christ’s followers met on the first day of the week, called the Lord’s Day in honour of the Resurrection of Christ. [Acts, 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2; Rev 1:10]. This apostolic custom became ecclesiastical law through various Councils of the Church, and was extended to the universal Church.

 

[YADA]

From the beginning Christ’s followers met on the first day of the week, called the Lord’s Day in honour of the Resurrection of Christ. [Acts, 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2; Rev 1:10]. This apostolic custom became ecclesiastical law through various Councils of the Church, and was extended to the universal Church.

Actually, I would say that the earliest Christians participated in the Jewish Sabbath celebrations where the Sacred Scriptures were read [Liturgy of the Word - as it is referred to in the Mass today] and then gathered again on the first day of the week, to celebrate the Eucharistic Mystery [Liturgy of the Eucharist - as it is referred to in the Mass today] which was referred to as the Lord’s Day in honor of the Resurrection of Christ .

When the Christians were no longer considered a sect with Judaism and were expelled from Synagogues and Temple worship - the two celebrations [Liturgies] were combined and celebrated as one gathering - the Mass - on the Lord’s Day - the first day of the week.

If you attend a Synagogue Service - you would feel very much at home as it is very similar - even today - to our celebration of the Liturgy of the Word.

And agree these passages support that Acts, 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2; Rev 1:10.