Background Notes

Since Old Testament times, the Sabbath has been observed as a day of rest. "[The Sabbath] is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day God rested." [Exodus 31:17]

Today, Jews celebrate the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Christians celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday. It was the Sabbath ritual of Kiddush along with the blessing of bread and wine at meals, that some scholars believe led to the Last Supper ritual, and the origin of the Eucharist. At each grade level, these liturgies celebrate the Sabbath as a special day.

It is time for us to reconnect with the concept of a restful Sunday. Pope John Paul II emphasized the sacredness of Sundays in his 1998 letter, The Day of the Lord. "Its religious sense certainly does not conflict with human values, which make Sunday a time of rest, of enjoyment of nature and of more social relations."

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Ordinary Time for additional background information and prayer.


"Sabbath – A Day of Shalom" Prayer Celebration

Focus		Recognizing the many blessings that come from observing the Sabbath
Materials		Prayer table with 2 candles or 1 braided candle; Bible; spices, such as cloves and/or cinnamon; copies of liturgy; and music. (For Adaptation, also Bibles for each participant)
Reading		Exodus 20:8–11
Music		"Let Us Go Rejoicing," Blest Are We Music CD 6; "Here I Am Lord," Dan Schutte
Preparation		Photocopy liturgies so that each participant has one. Prepare the prayer table, but do not light the candle(s) ahead of time. Select six readers and help them prepare in advance, especially the person reading Scripture. Practice your role as leader, or assign that role to a participant. Display the words " Shalom," and "Shabbat." Tell participants that Shalom means peace to you; and Shabbat is the Sabbath observance. "Shabbat Shalom" means Sabbath peace.
Adaptation		In addition to its connection to creation, the Sabbath also recalls Israel's freedom from slavery in Egypt. Have participants read Exodus 20:8-11. Then, discuss what God asks of the Israelites, and how they are to honor the Sabbath. Can participants determine what set of laws involves the Sabbath? Have them make two lists: "Ways to Observe the Sabbath," and "Effects of Following These Observances." Every action causes an effect, e.g., to rest on Sunday results in feeling more relaxed to begin a new week, but also means some things are left undone. After participants have completed both lists, select the ones they are most likely to follow through on and why.
Additional Materials		"Let Us Go Rejoicing" Blest Are We Music CD 6 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36657-3 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2