No Shopping on Sundays?

[AlanFromWichita]

I’ve always thought this reading was apropos:
Gal 4:

8 5 6 At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to things that by nature are not gods; 9 but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and destitute elemental powers? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again? 10 You are observing days, months, seasons, and years. 7 11 I am afraid on your account that perhaps I have labored for you in vain. 8

When it gets to the point where we are confused about what we are “supposed” to do and not “supposed” to do on Sunday, I believe it becomes legalistic, as we are serving the day rather than accepting Christ’s teaching that the day is made for us.

Alan

 

[Elphaba]

Well, no. All anyone has to do is ask their spiritual advisor or confessor; the advisor or confessor would give direction in anything that someone finds confusing. After that, it is merely a matter of obedience. I thought I summed it up in a way to coincide with the New Testament: fulfil your immediate personal needs and serve others in matters of necessity (when we serve others, we serve God). The Jews interpreted “work” strictly, Catholics interpret “work” charitably.

Those were St. Paul’s words to converts, the Galatians, who had been pagans, were never subject to the Mosaic law. He was entreating them to not add Jewish rituals back into Christianity. It does not mean that we should eliminate that which is already established Catholic practice.

That quote, incidentally, is how non-Catholics attack Catholics for celebrating feasts and holy days. We should not use the quote to attack ourselves when we have established norms and an authority to speak to its interpretation. MaryCeleste did a good job of listing sources showing the Church’s steadfast teaching.

 

[Elphaba]

Dubervilles:

Shopping is what my husband and I usually do as an activity together on Sundays–even if that is just wandering around the mall…we get tired of watching TV or movies and playing video game or on the computer–when it’s cold outside it’s either sit in the house and stare at each other all day and do the same boring things or go shopping (I choose shopping).

To fulfill the individual rest, arts and entertainment are permissible: reading, artistic painting, sculpting, museums, theatre (plays or movies), dancing, bike riding, swimming, walking, along with TV, videos, and games. To serve others, there are those corporal works of mercy: visiting the sick, helping the hungry, clothing the naked, etc.