Quintessence of Religious Doctrines - Malankarasyriac Voice

47On Sundays and Feast or Obligatory Days 93CommentIt is repeated that indulging in the pleasant ways of the worldon these obligatory days is forbidden by the Ecclesia. If thenumber of fasting and obligatory days put together is greaterthan the other days in an year as per the calendar of theS.O.C. it is all because of the benefits that they would bringtowards a spiritual life. Mere external observation of fastinglike the Pharisees of the Jews and the Pagans do is notenough. The spirit of fasting must be interiorised to facilitatethe fruits of spirituality to come forth.Theme No: 17On the Feast of the Saints1. It is proper and befitting to celebrate the feast of the BlessedVirgin, Apostles, Martyrs, Saints and Saintesses.Ref: (a) Judg. 11:40. That is why every year Israelite girlswalk around for four days remembering Jephthah’sdaughter. (L.B.)(b) Ps. 112:6. A good person will never fail; he will alwaysbe remembered. (G.N..B)(c) Mt. 23:29... You make fine tombs for the prophetsand decorate the monuments of those who livedgood lives. (G.N.B.)(d) Lk. 1:48. For he has remembered me, his lovelyservant. (G.N.B.)CommentThe S.O.C. venerates the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Apostles,Saintly Martyrs and Venerable Saints, all of whom by theirexemplary life enlightened our lives also. The Church valuesvery much their intercessory prayers. In the liturgy of theS.O.C. this fact is testified. Accordingly, great honour isaccorded to them and solicitation of their prayers is besought.2. Commemoration of such just and holy men will be blessings forthe faithful and their prayers will be bounties to the believers.Although, not obligatory to keep away from worldly worksunlike on the feast days it is essential that the faithful participatein the Eucharistic liturgy and offer special prayers etc. on suchdays.Ref: Prov. 10:7. The memory of the just is blessed... (K.J.V.)CommentThe discipline to be followed on the feast days of the saintsis prescribed. All these feast days are to be celebrated withdevotion and prayer. Indulgence in worldly works is tabooed.