Should I play this concert on Sunday?

[timeandeternity]

I’m currently a violin student at a conservatory and I was asked to play in a concert next Sunday. I’m not sure if I should agree to this or not. If I loved playing the violin, and just wanted to have every chance I could get to have fun and play music, I would definitely accept, because it would be an opportunity for me to relax and enjoy myself. However, I don’t love playing the violin (and, in fact, will no longer be doing so once I graduate), and I typically don’t practice on Sunday because practicing is usually a chore for me; and for these reasons I’m not sure that it would be totally acceptable for me to agree to something like this.

Just in case anyone needs to brush up on the Sunday rest obligation, it doesn’t have to do with strictly “servile labor,” but is enumerated in the following Catechism paragraph:

2185 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. 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.

 

[Baelor]

Would playing the violin hinder the worship you owe to God, etc.? I think only you are capable of making that decision for yourself, since you know your schedule, other commitments, and personality.

 

[nickybr38]

Unfortunately this is a personal decision that you have to make. Don’t look for excuses. Just say no or yes…

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

I’m currently a violin student at a conservatory and I was asked to play in a concert next Sunday. I’m not sure if I should agree to this or not. If I loved playing the violin, and just wanted to have every chance I could get to have fun and play music, I would definitely accept, because it would be an opportunity for me to relax and enjoy myself. However, I don’t love playing the violin (and, in fact, will no longer be doing so once I graduate), and I typically don’t practice on Sunday because practicing is usually a chore for me; and for these reasons I’m not sure that it would be totally acceptable for me to agree to something like this.

Just in case anyone needs to brush up on the Sunday rest obligation, it doesn’t have to do with strictly “servile labor,” but is enumerated in the following Catechism paragraph:

Forget about it.
Play the violin in the Church. That was the kind of thought that Jesus was against, when the letter of the law was the law, not the spirit of the law.

 

[Luvtosew]

Play in the concert.

 

[Catholic1954]

I’m sure the pope has played the piano on Sunday.

 

[Equites_Christi]

You’re a violin student at a conservatory, and you don’t love playing violin?

My goodness, how did you get there??

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

You’re a violin student at a conservatory, and you don’t love playing violin?

My goodness, how did you get there??

Maybe you have not studied music.
My children play the piano and hated the rehearsals. Actually everybody hates it.
what they love is when the music is ready.

 

[nickybr38]

Maybe you have not studied music.
My children play the piano and hated the rehearsals. Actually everybody hates it.
what they love is when the music is ready.

Studying music is a painful process. But the fruit is the good part. I don’t believe anyone enjoys studying a piece and all the work that goes into preparing to perform.

 

[timeandeternity]

Studying music is a painful process. But the fruit is the good part. I don’t believe anyone enjoys studying a piece and all the work that goes into preparing to perform.

Of course. But people are willing to put in the hours of practice and do all the nitty-gritty stuff because they are truly passionate about playing music. They really want to get that end result, and so even if the work needed to get there isn’t always pleasant, they still love what they’re doing and are very willing to do it. Kind of like how being a Christian requires penance, self-denial, etc.–it’s not pleasant, but those who are passionate about Christ are willing and happy to do these things.

But I’m just not passionate about music. I went to a conservatory because I’d just always played the violin, I’d gotten very good at it, so I didn’t really think twice about it. I guess I’ve just finally realized that this is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, and I’m very ready to be done studying music (I’m in my last semester, thankfully!). That’s all.

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

Of course. But people are willing to put in the hours of practice and do all the nitty-gritty stuff because they are truly passionate about playing music. They really want to get that end result, and so even if the work needed to get there isn’t always pleasant, they still love what they’re doing and are very willing to do it. Kind of like how being a Christian requires penance, self-denial, etc.–it’s not pleasant, but those who are passionate about Christ are willing and happy to do these things.

But I’m just not passionate about music. I went to a conservatory because I’d just always played the violin, I’d gotten very good at it, so I didn’t really think twice about it. I guess I’ve just finally realized that this is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life, and I’m very ready to be done studying music (I’m in my last semester, thankfully!). That’s all.

I have seen that happen.
You changed your mind now.
You may change it later.
I have seen it in mu youngest who by himself asked to learn piano, was a not persistent student at all, was all happy gave up because of a disease and now plays the piano by pleasure every day.
Once you get over the “playing by duty” and for the exams and with teachers watching you and take a vacation you will miss it and you will play it by pleasure…