Mass - to go or not to go

As you can see by my previous post, I have been doing some reading on the subject of the Catholic mass. I am trying to grow and develop spiritually as well as mentally and physically and socially, etc.

While cleaning up my office, I rediscovered several books on Catholicism, including What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating. It is a question and answer book that seeks to address common misconceptions about the Catholic Faith. I try to do some reading in this area on Sundays and to reflect on those readings for two reasons: I need reminding and uplifting, and I wish to convey my principles to my children. They do read my blog from time to time. I would hope that they would ask me questions or make comments when there is something they wish to discuss further.

Another misconception regarding the mass and the Sacraments - Vatican II emphasized the spirit instead of the letter of the law, so we are not obliged to attend Sunday Mass anymore. Not so - one of the six precepts of the Church is that Catholics must attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, unless a proportionate reason, such as illness, prevents their attendance.

Keating says that the Church made this rule because we are creatures with free will. All our sins arise from an abuse of free will and if we didn't have this rule, we would not see the importance of getting to church. Keating says that going to church honours God, gives us the opportunity to be with like minded believers. He also says that we should want to be obedient to the Church because we love God, not because we could get into trouble if we do not follow the law.

This is the way with a lot of rules. I tell my students that they should follow the rules even when no one is looking. That is what being responsible is all about.

That said, there are some rules made by man with regards to the church. Which rules do you think are man-made? And not God inspired? Please comment.