General. Sunday, like the Sabbath for the Jews, is the Day of the Lord. It is a day reserved by God for rest – He actually rested on that from the work He had done over six days, even if that was not lucrative work but work done out of love for humanity, the peak of creation, to live by. Let alone us, who sweat and toil for six days, and neglect giving due praise to the Lord. The Sunday Mass is a collegial way of giving such praise in comparison with reading a dose of worldy articles in a Sunday paper or visiting the flea-market.

Deuternomy. The Lord is amply clear in His biddings. There are only two ways to follow, the good or the bad, and no in-betweens. Keeping God’s commandments in whatever age it might be and in relation to any interpretation the Church might give them is a must, and no beating about the bush: adultery includes all infringements of the ends for which sexuality is intended, murder includes abortion and character assasinaton. Have a look at what the Church Catechism says for details.

Romans. St Paul writes with the roots of a person steeped in the Jewish faith who has known Jesus. The Old Testament, the Law and the Prophets, all point towards Jesus the Messiah, yet God’s justice has been given through faith in Jesus by means of that salvation which he has brought about by his Precious Blood (OT concept) and the remission of sins which is obtained through faith. Henceforth, faith brings about justification, without the need for OT concept of works required by the Law, which is a fresh beginning, indeed.

St Matthew. Keeping God’s commandments is fulfilling the Father’s will for us. Empty prayers do not get one to heaven as much as being obedient to the Father by observing His commandments. This would bring personal and social order into the world, the same way as the wise man who builds his temporal shelter on solid ground.

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