Holy Days of Obligation: What's the Point?

For many of us, the word “obligation” probably stirs up a feeling that we have to do something rather than get to do something - and you may find yourself with this mindset when encountering Holy Days of Obligation.
 
 However, did you know that these special days actually exist for us and for our freedom and joy?

They are given to us out of love so that we have full permission to put Mass first, receive Jesus in the Eucharist, spend life-giving time with family and friends, and recharge by engaging in holy leisure.
 
 The Catechism teaches us that they are put in place to be a “day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money”.
 
 They are meant to free us from the anxieties and stresses of work and the world, and they remind us that we are ultimately made to live in heaven, not on earth.
 
They remind us to live life with an eternal and holy perspective.

What is one way you can live these upcoming Holy Days of Obligation well? How can you build your day around Mass? What would bring you joy & life?
 

Please note:  there are occasions when the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation does not apply:

• If individual Catholics struggle with serious health concerns or are physically or morally prevented from worshipping at Mass for a serious reason
• If individuals are frail due to illness or age or, in their well-formed conscience believe that going into public places -- including worship at Mass -- would place their health or the health of their loved ones in serious jeopardy
• If individuals are sick, or have been in contact with someone who has been sick
• If there is severe weather.

If you are unable to attend Mass, it is always good to follow third Commandment “To Keep Holy the Lord’s Day.”  You can do this by spending time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, participating in a livestreamed Mass, and taking part in acts of charity from home.