Keeping Holy the Lord’s Day in Lockdown

As I write this, it’s Sunday. I had to remind myself of that fact several times over the course of the day. During the past few months in quarantine, there’s been little distinction between the days of my week. I’ve never found it so difficult to follow the Third Commandment. After all, I think, if I can’t go to Mass, how is Sunday different from any other day? But that kind of thinking is wrong. Sunday is still the Lord’s day, whether I can get to Mass or not. But it does take a little extra attention and focus to elevate it and differentiate it from the rest of the week. I’d like to use this post to share some practical tips for doing just that.

1. Pray
On Sunday it is especially important to make time for God. Since many of us haven’t been to church very often, if at all, since March, this quiet time with Jesus is all the more precious. If you already pray every day, instituting family prayer time might be a good way to make Sunday special. It’s also a way to experience the communal prayer that many of us get only in church and are missing right now.

2. Read spiritual books
Instead of reading the latest bestseller, set Sunday aside to read the Bible, the lives of the saints, or a favorite devotional. This will help your mind to focus on spiritual things instead of day-to-day life.

3. Ban work
Try to avoid doing any unnecessary household chores on Sunday. Planning to get the bulk of the work done on Saturday will ensure that Sunday remains peaceful and prayerful. Instead of work, do something you find restful, such as baking, crafting, or even just porch-sitting.

4. Make the day special
Do a little something special on Sunday that you wouldn’t normally do. Having a nice Sunday dinner on the good china is one possibility. If you’re looking for a diet “cheat day” to let yourself have a treat such as ice cream, Sunday is a great option! Although there aren’t many places we can go for recreation right now, a nice Sunday drive or walk in the park would be a fun way to get out of the house and soak up the last of the summer sun.

5. Connect
Sunday is the day that many of us get together with the important people in our lives. “Visiting” our friends, extended family, and church community can still happen over Skype or the phone. Setting aside time on Sunday to catch up with loved ones means that no matter how chaotic the week ahead gets, we know that we have made time for the ones who matter most to us.

It is possible to keep holy the Lord’s day without being physically present in a church! Don’t forget that Jesus knows your heart and your intention to honor Him on the Sabbath. Even though the churches are closed now, they will eventually reopen, and perhaps then our appreciation of what we are regaining will be all the more keen. Don’t forget that Sunday commemorates the Resurrection; it is a mini-Easter and a day of hope. Let’s keep it holy however we can today and joyfully look forward to the day we can return to the table of the Lord!