Authority to declare holy days of obligation

[struggling4him]

I want to start off by saying I am not trying to challenge the Church, but only to better understand.

It seems to me, for a very large part, most prohibitions and requirements which are placed upon us under pain of sin can easily be found in Scripture - most within the 10 commandments. The only exception that I can really think of is holy days of obligation - if I fail to attend Mass on December 8th, I am in a state of mortal sin - but had I failed to attend Mass on December 8th back in 1700 - before the Feast was declared - I would not be. If I fail to attend Mass on March 19th in some countries, I am in a state of mortal sin - but as the US bishops have not made St. Joseph’s Day a holy day of obligation, I am free to stay home and my soul is still in a state of grace.

Does it seem strange that such things as time and place will impact whether we are in mortal sin or not?

 

[Todd977]

Such disciplinary practices as holy days of obligation fall under the binding and loosing authority Jesus Christ gave to Peter and the other Apostles and their successors. (Matthew 16:19; 18:18) Of their authority, Sacred Scripture says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

 

[GregorysArmy]

I see going to mass on Holy Days of Obligation as following the commandment to love God. Relationships are sometimes a little inconvenient, but our relationship with God is the most important and attending mass a few extra days is the least I can do for Him who has done so much for me.

I have observed different rules in different cultures in the church for other situations besides Holy Days. My friend from Brazil had never heard of abstaining from meat on Fridays in Lent until she came to the US. A priest once told me that people are allowed to eat chicken in Mexico during the Fridays in Lent. I don’t know if these are actually true or just poor catechesis, but I do believe cultural differences exist. From personal experience, having spent time in Alaska during Lent, it is no great hardship to eat fresh halibut or salmon, or even King crab on Fridays in Lent. The priest there encouraged us to eat “like the poor.” Top Ramen for my family.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Does it seem strange that such things as time and place will impact whether we are in mortal sin or not?

No, it does not. If I shout swear words in an empty room, I may have sinned but the sin is more serious if I do the same in the same room filled with people, or even worse, filled with children. Same place, different time.

Our bishops’ authority comes from the apostles, whose authority to bind and to loose came from Jesus. This authority allows them to make rules for us to follow, including such things as which days are Holy Days of Obligation and how long to fast before receiving Holy Communion. Even Canon Law can be changed. The dogmas and doctrines of our church can not change but disciplines can change. Disciplines include the length of fast before Communion, whether or not priest in the Latin Rite can be married or not and even Holy Days of Obligation. We are still obligated to follow the disciplines imposed upon us for, through the authority given to the Bishops, we are being obedient to God.

 

[Joe_5859]

The same is true with lots of disciplinary rules: fasting before Communion, abstinence from meat on Fridays, etc.

Disciplines can change. And they are changed by those with the legitimate authority to change them (i.e. the pope and bishops). It all flows from the authority that Christ gave to the apostles and their successors that what they bind on earth is bound in heaven and what they loose on earth is loosed in heaven.

 

[PJM]

=struggling4him;12933734]I want to start off by saying I am not trying to challenge the Church, but only to better understand.

It seems to me, for a very large part, most prohibitions and requirements which are placed upon us under pain of sin can easily be found in Scripture - most within the 10 commandments. The only exception that I can really think of is holy days of obligation - if I fail to attend Mass on December 8th, I am in a state of mortal sin - but had I failed to attend Mass on December 8th back in 1700 - before the Feast was declared - I would not be. If I fail to attend Mass on March 19th in some countries, I am in a state of mortal sin - but as the US bishops have not made St. Joseph’s Day a holy day of obligation, I am free to stay home and my soul is still in a state of grace.

Does it seem strange that such things as time and place will impact whether we are in mortal sin or not?

No Not with a right understanding.

What we are speaking of here are “Church PRACTICES” which ARE changeable due to the Power and authority Christ placed in giving to Peter and his successors [Mt. 10:1-8 veress Mt. 28:16-20] and solidified in John 17:18 & again in John 20:21-22]

“[18] As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world”

& “[21] He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. [22] When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”

The powers granted to Peter and his successors of "THE KEY"S} of "binding and loosening"** Mt. 16:18-19 **" [18] And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven."

Were two-fold:
It granted the unlimited Powers of Governance to Peter and successors & foresaw:thumbsup: the authority to forgive sins in Christ name [John 20: 19-23]

So what Rome and or our Local Bishops do in regards to Church Practices is not only their right, but their actual duty as they see fit how to best aid and direct the salvation of Souls in there care.

God Bless you and thanks for asking,

Patrick