Shopping on Sunday...Sin?

[rlg94086]

I am someone who has little time to myself. I find it relaxing to walk through the mall and just look around. I stop for an ice cream now and then.

How well** I remember when no stores were open on Sunday**. We were living in Iowa when the law was lifted and many people were thrilled that they could shop on sunday. I was happy as well because I had lots of little children and no way to go to the store during the week. My hubby was gone ALL THE TIME except part of the weekend.
I welcomed Sunday shopping…

There are enough sins out there for us to “commit”, please don’t put another one on the list. I just cannot believe that God is standing by with a list either. Perhaps He would prefer we all do the best we can do in all we do rather than worry about thinking up ways to make others comply to our idea of right and wrong.

Love and peace,
Mom of 5

Your own post shows that another sin wasn’t “put on the list.” It was taken off the list years ago because it was inconvenient for some.

I wish we could decide which sins were no longer on the list due to whether they were convenient. I would have a long list.

 

[Mom_of_5]

No, shopping was never a “sin” before. Some of you want to make new sins every day. I have far too much to do to sit and worry about making more rules for the less than pious to live by. You have no idea about my life…I can tell you that I didn’t change the rules to make life more convienient. Did you ever pull a child’s wagon through 3 miles of dirt and mud field with 3 children in it, carrying another to get milk and bread for supper??? Probably not!! But of course I should have accepted this as way of life and stayed out of the stores on Sunday.

Now, a grandmother and caregiver of my sister in law, my time away from the house is a “gift”. I should stay out of the mall on my few hours a week “off duty” ?? How compassionate of you!!

mom of 5

 

[deb1]

It is correct that you don’t need to take the “servile work” at home to an extreme, but I don’t think it is fair to impose it on others in the community in order to give Mom a break. Father Arthur’s “common sense” seems to be that it is okay to use “mother’s servile work” as an excuse to eat out.

I don’t like to refer to my work as a mom as servile. It makes it sound like I am some sort of drudge like maid.

 

[rlg94086]

No, shopping was never a “sin” before. Some of you want to make new sins every day. I have far too much to do to sit and worry about making more rules for the less than pious to live by. You have no idea about my life…I can tell you that I didn’t change the rules to make life more convienient. Did you ever pull a child’s wagon through 3 miles of dirt and mud field with 3 children in it, carrying another to get milk and bread for supper??? Probably not!! But of course I should have accepted this as way of life and stayed out of the stores on Sunday.

Now, a grandmother and caregiver of my sister in law, my time away from the house is a “gift”. I should stay out of the mall on my few hours a week “off duty” ?? How compassionate of you!!

mom of 5

You are taking this a little too personally. I didn’t say you removed it as a sin. I was talking about society.

I don’t know what you were taught growing up, but my understanding is that Catholics and Christians alike believed you should not work on Sunday, with the exception of essential services (hospitals, firehouses, police, etc.). The Church teaches the following…

CCC:

[2185](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/2185.htm’) On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, 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.123 Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that** legitimate excuses** do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.
The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity of charity accepts just work.124
[2186](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/2186.htm’) Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.
[2187](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/2187.htm’) Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord’s Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

In my understanding and from the counsel of our pastor, I go the extra step and avoid going to restaurants so I don’t add to the difficulty someone else has in keeping Sunday holy. We all have challenges in keeping God’s commandments. As far as your particular challenges, I leave them in your hands. I won’t air my particular challenges. Those are up to me to handle. May God bless you and your Sister-in-Law.

 

[rlg94086]

I don’t like to refer to my work as a mom as servile. It makes it sound like I am some sort of drudge like maid.

I was quoting someone else’s priest - Father Arthur. At our house we do try to get all the chores done - laundry, yardwork, general cleaning, etc. - on Saturday, but we have to eat…and we do the dishes afterwards. As best as we can, we all pitch in, so that no one is stuck doing everything.

And, I will note that this is fairly new for my family. I wasn’t raised religious, and up until about a year ago, Sunday was just another day of the week…possibly with Mass.

 

[deb1]

I was quoting someone else’s priest - Father Arthur. At our house we do try to get all the chores done - laundry, yardwork, general cleaning, etc. - on Saturday, but we have to eat…and we do the dishes afterwards. As best as we can, we all pitch in, so that no one is stuck doing everything.

And, I will note that this is fairly new for my family. I wasn’t raised religious, and up until about a year ago, Sunday was just another day of the week…possibly with Mass.

I haven’t always been a Christian so I understand.

After years of trying to justify my being a stay at home mom, I can get a little oversensitive about certain issues. Sorry.

 

[BostonMyrtleBea]

I don’t think it’s a sin. I think it’s good to keep the economy going. There are some who NEED to work (as mentioned in one of the quotes above about poverty, etc) and need as many days as they can. Also, many people on the planet are not Catholic, so they don’t have (or want) the same rules. If I’m not Catholic, and don’t practice such traditions on a Sunday anwyway and work, how would you going to a restaurant where I work be some sort of sin on my account?

I was once asked by a coworker what I did over the weekend. I mentioned that I did this, then that on Saturday, then mowed the lawn (on Sunday). The guy yelled at me about the Lord’s day, etc. I told him that to me, it is a nice escape from the busy life. It’s a time when I’m by myself and can think and reflect on things. (Though I didn’t feel the need to tell him this, I sometimes pray and think of God while mowing). I love my mowing time. Also, it gives me some exercise to stretch my legs, etc… Three days later the same guy was arrested for a major theft at the company… hmmm… now THAT seems more the sin to me!

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I don’t think it’s a sin. I think it’s good to keep the economy going. There are some who NEED to work (as mentioned in one of the quotes above about poverty, etc) and need as many days as they can. Also, many people on the planet are not Catholic, so they don’t have (or want) the same rules. If I’m not Catholic, and don’t practice such traditions on a Sunday anwyway and work, how would you going to a restaurant where I work be some sort of sin on my account?

I was once asked by a coworker what I did over the weekend. I mentioned that I did this, then that on Saturday, then mowed the lawn (on Sunday). The guy yelled at me about the Lord’s day, etc. I told him that to me, it is a nice escape from the busy life. It’s a time when I’m by myself and can think and reflect on things. (Though I didn’t feel the need to tell him this, I sometimes pray and think of God while mowing). I love my mowing time. Also, it gives me some exercise to stretch my legs, etc… Three days later the same guy was arrested for a major theft at the company… hmmm… now THAT seems more the sin to me!

Good points.

I’m glad at least people ARE going to Mass on Sundays!