What day is the Sabbath? Should Christians observe the Sa...

Which day is the Sabbath—Saturday or Sunday? Should Christians observe the Sabbath?

The question of the Sabbath comes up regularly in discussion. Many wonder: According to the Bible, is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday? And above all: Should Christians observe this seventh-day rest? In this Hozana article, we will explore the meaning of the Sabbath in light of, among other sources, the Catechism of the Catholic Church: how it is lived out in Christian life and why Sunday has become the Lord’s Day for Christians.

The Sabbath in the Bible: A Commandment Given to Israel

The Sabbath is discussed in the Holy Scriptures:

• In the Book of Exodus:  “Remember the sabbath day—keep it holy. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God. You shall not do any work, either you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your work animal, or the resident alien within your gates.” (Exodus 20:8–10)
• In the Book of Deuteronomy:  “Observe the sabbath day—keep it holy, as the Lord, your God, commanded you. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God. You shall not do any work, either you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your ox or donkey or any work animal, or the resident alien within your gates, so that your male and female slave may rest as you do. Remember that you too were once slaves in the land of Egypt, and the Lord, your God, brought you out from there with a strong hand and outstretched arm. That is why the Lord, your God, has commanded you to observe the sabbath day.” (Deuteronomy 5:12–15)

Is the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday?

The Sabbath is therefore the seventh day of the week. In the Bible, in the Book of Genesis, it speaks of a first day, a second day, and so on, up to the seventh day, when God rested. In Jewish tradition, this seventh day—the Sabbath—corresponds this day to Saturday.

For Catholics, the first day of the week is Sunday, the day of Christ’s Resurrection. This is not a “transferred Sabbath,” but the “Lord’s Day” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2185), which Christians are called to keep holy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, for example: “Just as God 'rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done,' human life has a rhythm of work and rest. the institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.” (No. 2184).

The Sabbath: A Day of Rest for Christians

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Sabbath is a day of rest for Christians and finds its fulfillment in Sunday, the day of Christ’s Resurrection.

“The third commandment of the Decalogue recalls the holiness of the sabbath: 'The seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD.'” (CCC no. 2168)

“God's action is the model for human action. If God 'rested and was refreshed' on the seventh day, man too ought to 'rest' and should let others, especially the poor, 'be refreshed.' The sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides a respite. It is a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money.” (CCC no. 2172)

Sunday: The Fulfillment of the Sabbath for Christians

The Catechism of the Catholic Church shows that Sunday is the fulfillment of the Sabbath for Christians.

“Jesus rose from the dead 'on the first day of the week.' Because it is the 'first day,' the day of Christ's Resurrection recalls the first creation. Because it is the 'eighth day' following the sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ's Resurrection. For Christians it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord's Day (he kuriake hemera, dies dominica) Sunday” (CCC no. 2174)

“Sunday is expressly distinguished from the sabbath which it follows chronologically every week; for Christians its ceremonial observance replaces that of the sabbath. In Christ's Passover, Sunday fulfills the spiritual truth of the Jewish sabbath and announces man's eternal rest in God. For worship under the Law prepared for the mystery of Christ, and what was done there prefigured some aspects of Christ” (CCC no. 2175)

How should we observe the Sabbath today?

The Catholic Church offers several suggestions to the lay faithful for observing the Sabbath:

• Avoid working on Sunday, except for those in professions where this is not possible. Those who work in retail, healthcare, and social services sanctify God in a different way.
• Participate in the Sunday Eucharist: read this article on the meaning of the Eucharist.
• Make time for others: spending time with family and others allows you to rest
• Make time for God: by spending a few minutes praying, reading the Word of God, etc.

Let us live in God with Christ!

Let us taste divine life here on earth with Christ. To this end, Hozana offers numerous prayer communities throughout the year to help you grow in your faith, such as:

• The readings for the Mass of the Day

• Meditation of the daily Gospel