Physical labor on Sunday?

[sschafer001]

Sunday is a day of rest, and for most people that means taking a break from chores. But what if I enjoy something other people see as a chore? For instance gardening and doing yard work are a relaxing time for me because I have an opportunity for quiet reflection and I get stir crazy when I’m not doing something physically productive.

Would it be a sin to do “chores” on Sundays if I am also dedicating part of the day to my family, friends, and spiritual life?

 

[Irishmom2]

You are fine. I also do not find gardening to be work. In fact, sometimes I feel guilty when I am at a project all day because it is not work to me at all.

 

[JM3]

CCC 2184 - 2187

2185… the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body.

2186… Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm and the elderly.

 

[phil19034]

My dad is like that… he enjoys doing garden work and often did it on Sundays before he retired.

The problem he would run into (even though he didn’t realize it) was that he didn’t spend enough time with family on Sundays (at least from our point of view). We were all doing family things (afternoon brunch, visiting grandparents, visiting his siblings, etc) while he was doing work that he considered “relaxing.” However, Sunday evening he would then complain that he needed to be by himself to relax because he was tired from all the yard work.

Therefore, I caution people who find projects relaxing to refrain from working on Sundays or at least not every Sunday. Furthermore, don’t forget to make time for family every Sunday too.

 

[Theban]

What is considered work for one person might not be for another, but one should still be cautious of doing work that is considered relaxing. Sunday is consecrated to the Lord, and everything you do on that day should reflect that. In other words, if Sunday is just any normal day off like Saturday is, then something is wrong.
That’s not to say you can’t do yard work, but your goal with the yard work should be, as you say, to help you reflect and give glory to God, and not merely because it is a hobby you like. I like to think of an example set by St Olaf, who had forgotten that it was Sunday and was busy carving a wood figure. This was probably just a hobby that he found relaxing, but when he was reminded that it was a Sunday he put it down all the same, because despite being relaxing it didn’t help him glorifying God.