*Catholics only* Why a sin to miss mass?

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Luke 14:15-24
The Parable of the Great Banquet

15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.
16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.

22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”
 
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chevyontheriver

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I am asking why is it a sin to miss mass on a weekend or Holy day of obligation?

I keep thinking that maybe it was 'invented' to get people to attend mass and give to the church. Am i wrong?
The Catholic Church follows Hebrews 10:25 as a command. Everybody else apparently sees it as a suggestion.
 
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AvilaSurfer

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I am asking why is it a sin to miss mass on a weekend or Holy day of obligation?

I keep thinking that maybe it was 'invented' to get people to attend mass and give to the church. Am i wrong?
It breaks the third commandment. Fairly important.
 
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Michie

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You're wrong. Sorry. :)
I am asking why is it a sin to miss mass on a weekend or Holy day of obligation?

I keep thinking that maybe it was 'invented' to get people to attend mass and give to the church. Am i wrong?
 
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Michie

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You're wrong. Sorry. :)
I am asking why is it a sin to miss mass on a weekend or Holy day of obligation?

I keep thinking that maybe it was 'invented' to get people to attend mass and give to the church. Am i wrong?
 
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Basil the Great

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It seems that the Orthodox do not consider it a grave/mortal sin to miss any given Sunday. though special Holy Days might be considered essential. I have often wondered at what point in time the Catholics and the Orthodox diverged on this particular doctrinal issue.
 
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chevyontheriver

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You're wrong. Sorry. :)
I think of the Methodists I ran into in Florida, who took attendance at their services. And if you were not there you got a visit. I think too of those places that expect a tithe, and if they don't get it you get a visit.
 
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Michie

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I have to admit, I was looking into Orthodoxy when I was looking into Catholicism. I found some things about Orthodoxy very attractive and realistic. This being one. But due to logistics and other things I could not align with, I ended up crossing the Tiber.
It seems that the Orthodox do not consider it a grave/mortal sin to miss any given Sunday. though special Holy Days might be considered essential. I have often wondered at what point in time the Catholics and the Orthodox diverged on this particular doctrinal issue.
 
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chevyontheriver

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It seems that the Orthodox do not consider it a grave/mortal sin to miss any given Sunday. though special Holy Days might be considered essential. I have often wondered at what point in time the Catholics and the Orthodox diverged on this particular doctrinal issue.
Do the Orthodox accept Hebrews 10:25? As only a suggestion?
 
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Basil the Great

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Do the Orthodox accept Hebrews 10:25? As only a suggestion?
I am not Orthodox, but in research about Orthodoxy, I have never read that they consider missing the Divine Liturgy on any regular Sunday a grave/mortal sin. If I am wrong, then someone please correct me.
 
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Michie

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I think of the Methodists I ran into in Florida, who took attendance at their services. And if you were not there you got a visit. I think too of those places that expect a tithe, and if they don't get it you get a visit.
I can tell you from experience growing up Protestant, this is true. I got several of the visits and phone calls. There is a huge majority of Protestants these days that are unchurched. They see no reason for it. But there are those that do and have no qualms looking for you should you come up missing...
 
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Michie

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I am not Orthodox, but in research about Orthodoxy, I have never read that they consider missing the Divine Liturgy on any regular Sunday a grave/mortal sin. If I am wrong, then someone please correct me.
I know you are not Orthodox but your comment made me think of the info I gleaned while investigating Catholicism and Orthodoxy. I had not a clue about different rites in the Catholic Church.
 
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Michie

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Did you read the links? The Church teaches what She teaches. I realize most Protestants do not bother or are overly concerned with Church attendance. Maybe that's why you are having a hard time wrapping your head around it.
I cant get my head around it being a sin. Yes, i go to confession if i miss mass but why a sin? Its not doing anyone any harm, or, going against God surely? Its not Biblical is it?
 
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Basil the Great

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I know you are not Orthodox but your comment made me think of the info I gleaned while investigating Catholicism and Orthodoxy. I had not a clue about different rites in the Catholic Church.
I take it that it was your understanding also that they do not view missing regular Sundays as a grave/mortal sin? Also, I mentioned that I am not Orthodox, as some in this forum might not be aware of such and just in case I was wrong, I felt it was important to state it for the record.
 
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anna ~ grace

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I cant get my head around it being a sin. Yes, i go to confession if i miss mass but why a sin? Its not doing anyone any harm, or, going against God surely? Its not Biblical is it?
If we fail to show God that we love Him by taking two hours out of our week to attend Mass and pray with and for each other.... is that not a sin?
 
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Michie

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Not from what I read. They want your attendance but understand if you don't. It's not a free ticket to miss and not be apart of the active Church but it is not considered a mortal sin either. At @Anhelyna might be of help. I did not go into any depth with Orthodox study because there are no Orthodox Churches in my area.
I take it that it was your understanding also that they do not view missing regular Sundays as a grave/mortal sin?
 
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