In the spring of 1998 a Vatican... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day.
Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10

In the spring of 1998 a Vatican document was published under the title "Dies domini" (the Lord's Day). In it the Pope criticizes the "growing tendency, noted with great concern, to make a normal day of Sunday." He calls on believers to observe Sunday "with rest and reverence; the day belongs to the Lord, and distractions are forbidden."

In the course of the 20th century the observance of Sunday has undergone changes that reflect the development of attitudes to religious matters over the past hundred years. Whereas in the first half of the century godly fear was recognizable in regular church-going, general deportment and keeping Sunday as a day of rest (for only essential work was carried out), nowadays shops and places of entertainment are open, sporting events are organized attracting millions, and individuals pursue any activity that interests them without any conscience before God. Places of worship are almost empty, the number of unbelievers having risen dramatically.

The transition from Judaism to Christianity saw Sunday replace the Sabbath day as the day devoted to the things of God. Sincere believers still adhere to this practice. Like the apostle John, who was "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day", they occupy their hearts with the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear reader, what are your plans for tomorrow and the succeeding Sundays? May God grant you an awareness of His holiness and righteousness, so that you accept Christ's redemptive work and thus learn what reverence is due to Him.