"Spiritual persons ought to be equally ready to experience sweetness and consolation in the things of God, or to suffer and keep their ground in drynesses of spirit and devotion, and for as long as God pleases, without their making any complaint about it."
St Philip Neri
* * *
"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP
* * *
"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come."
(*Nos 228 - 248
in the original catechism have been replaced to reflect the latest Catechism.)
228*.
Are we bound to obey the Church?
We are bound to obey the Church, because
Christ has said to the pastors of the Church: 'He that heareth
you, heareth me: and he that despiseth you, despiseth me.'
Luke 10:16.
229*.
What are the precepts of the Church?
The precepts of the Church are:
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of
obligation and rest from servile labor.
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least
during the Easter season.
4.You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence
established by the Church.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
230*.
Are Catholics bound to attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of
Obligation?
Catholics are under a serious obligation to
attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation unless
prevented by other serious duties or by ill-
health.
231*.
How often should we go to Confession?
If we have been guilty of serious sin we
should go to Confession as soon as possible but never less
than once a year.
232*.
What are fasting days?
Fasting days are days on which we are
allowed to take only one full meal. The obligation of fasting
is restricted to those who have completed their 18th year
until they have begun their 60th.
233*.
Which are the fasting days?
The fasting days are Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday.
234*.
What are days of abstinence?
Days of abstinence are days on which we are
forbidden to take flesh-meat and anything made from meat.
235*.
Which are the days of abstinence?
The days of abstinence in the United States
are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and all the Fridays in Lent.
The age at which abstinence becomes
binding is 14.
236*.
Why does the Church command us to fast and abstain?
The Church commands us to fast and abstain
so that we may mortify the flesh and satisfy God for our sins.