How do you celebrate

[StSentry83]

…without committing a sin against something or other: e.g., temperance, modesty, etc.?

When I started thinking about it the other day, I was kinda confused about the use of the phrase “feast day” and if feasts means what I think it means then I wondered how it would not be sinful to feast.

Do you ever cut loose? Do you ever act “wild” or do “crazy” things but not believe that they are sinful?

To what extent can a person let go, and enjoy themselves without surrendering to sin? And how?

Is a (Catholic) Christian generally called to live a reserved, cautious life, almost a monastic type of life? Or is it more the anglo-American Catholic culture around me that suggests that idea to me?

 

[AussieTrish]

The bible tells us in
Ecclesiastes 3

Everything Has Its Time

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

 

[Irishmom2]

You can celebrate without sinning by not overdoing, by not getting carried away or going to extremes.

 

[Book_Worm]

Moderation.

 

[Gertabelle]

…without committing a sin against something or other: e.g., temperance, modesty, etc.?

When I started thinking about it the other day, I was kinda confused about the use of the phrase “feast day” and if feasts means what I think it means then I wondered how it would not be sinful to feast.

Do you ever cut loose? Do you ever act “wild” or do “crazy” things but not believe that they are sinful?

To what extent can a person let go, and enjoy themselves without surrendering to sin? And how?

Is a (Catholic) Christian generally called to live a reserved, cautious life, almost a monastic type of life? Or is it more the anglo-American Catholic culture around me that suggests that idea to me?

In our family, and in our circle of friends, we love, love, LOVE to celebrate major feast days – the big ones are called “solemnities.”

We’ve done simple things like go out to dinner together, gone for a hike, met for frozen yogurt, or met at a playground or the trampoline place so the kids could play together.

We’ve had more elaborate celebrations (i.e., parties) including food, beverages (some alcoholic), crafts and games for the kids, singing, dancing, and lots of talking and laughter. Sometimes I laugh so hard I need to use my inhaler!

Last year we planned a whole week of fun for what’s called Easter week (from Easter Sunday until the following Sunday), and we often have some sort of party during the week following Christmas (called the Octave of Christmas, and filled with feast days, including the blessing of new wine on the feast of St. John the Apostle!).

Basically, we are more than capable of feasting – whether the food be simple or fancy – and making merry without sin! Perhaps in your world view, “cutting loose” means excess of alcohol and sex? For some people, I’m certain it does.

But for me and my Catholic friends, “cutting loose” means special activities for fun and community.

And in general, we I sin, I call it sin and head to confession

There’s a story about St. Teresa of Avila – a cloistered nun and reformed of the Carmelite order. As a nun, she lived a monastic life. One day, some of the sisters in the monastery caught her in the kitchen absolutely devouring some partridge. She loved partridge, and it was a rare treat in the monastery. When St. Teresa saw the look of shock on the faces of her sisters, she is said to have replied, “There is a time for penance, and there is a time for partridge!”

Knowing when it is time for penance, and when it is time for feasting – and knowing WHY it is time for one or the other – is key growing in grace.

God bless you!

Gertie

 

[UbiCaritas]

Even the strictest monks and nuns celebrate feast days–they just do so in moderation!

For example, an order which ordinarily doesn’t eat meat will often have a roast chicken dinner on Christmas or Easter. The day might be declared a holiday from any unnecessary work: ie, the meals still have to be cooked, but Sister Brunhilda doesn’t need to keep working on that chasuble the sisters will sell in their church supplies shop, and so on. They might have a glass of wine with dinner if they ordinarily don’t, or dessert, etc.

Adapt this idea to your state in life, and you’re good to go.