The first reason is articulated in the following verse: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it" (Exodus 20:11). The sabbath was blessed and set apart by God at the very moment of creation, serving as a reminder of that divine act. Importantly, since the Jewish people had not yet emerged at the time of creation, it is evident that the sabbath was sanctified by God for all humanity, not just for the Israelites. This makes the commandment universal and unchanging, equally binding for everyone as the other commandments in the Decalogue.
The second reason for observing the sabbath relates to the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. "Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day" (Deuteronomy 5:15). While this reminder holds particular significance for the Jewish people, the apostles recognized a deeper meaning in the liberation from sin and death through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. The event of Christ’s death occurred on the day before the sabbath, while His resurrection—revealing victory over sin—took place on the following day, the first day of the week. Consequently, the early church shifted the observance of the sabbath to this day, honoring it as the day of resurrection.
During the earthly ministry of Jesus, the Jewish leaders overly rigidly interpreted sabbath observance, prohibiting acts of healing and deeming the Healer as a sabbath violator. Conversely, some modern believers have diminished the significance of Sunday observance, treating it as an ordinary day, which is, regrettably, inappropriate.
What should we engage in on Sundays and feast days? Primarily, we are called to set aside our daily affairs—judges should refrain from court, teachers from lecturing, merchants from trade, craftsmen from labor, and farmers from tilling the soil. Instead, our focus should be on fulfilling holy and pleasing works.
The foremost of these is prayer, especially participating in church services. Failing to gather for prayer, to glorify God, and to express gratitude for His boundless gifts constitutes a serious transgression. It is crucial for Christians to prioritize attending God’s house on Sundays and feast days. The devotion of early Christians exemplifies this commitment; their eagerness to gather in worship was so profound that they would assemble even the night before feast days to pray and hear the Word of God.
In discerning their commitment, consider this noteworthy example: Emperor Valens learned of an impending gathering of Christians and ordered their execution. His chief warned those in attendance, yet they assembled in even larger numbers. As the prefect neared to fulfill this order, he encountered a woman hastily leaving home with her child. When questioned, she explained she was eager to join the gathering, even in light of the danger, so that she too could share in martyrdom. The steadfastness of early Christians is a powerful testament to their zeal for worship.
Additionally, on feast days and Sundays, we are called to perform acts of kindness towards others—helping the poor, comforting those in sorrow, tending to the sick, and visiting prisoners. Early Christians took this to heart, frequently visiting the sick and those in captivity, despite the risks involved. A woman known for her charity was described as "inexpressibly merciful to the poor, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked." Another notable figure, Isaiah, established a hospice that provided meals for the needy on both sabbaths and weekdays.
Is this model of compassion one we can aspire to? Each of us should strive to contribute to the welfare of others, giving generously on holy days out of love for God.
After attending service, when you return home, share a meal with your family. Take time to recount the Gospel readings and teachings from the church, or read sacred texts or lives of saints. Such practices encourage reflection and foster a tranquil conscience. As St. John of the Ladder observed, just as the poor recognize their poverty in the presence of royal treasures, so should our spirits be humbled when contemplating the virtues of the saints. By engaging with uplifting literature, the hours will pass productively, allowing for peaceful rest and renewed energy to resume daily responsibilities.
This is the essential purpose of our Sundays and holy days. Yet, do we genuinely adhere to this calling? Regrettably, we often do not. While many obligations may be set aside, we frequently indulge in activities contrary to God’s purpose on these days. Rather than dedicating this time for divine observance, we often succumb to indulgence in recreation, excess, or distractions, serving ourselves and the enemy instead of God. Such a misuse of sacred days should grieve our hearts.
THEOSIS