One day of rest will do a world of good

SOME government ministers want to reduce wages for working on Sundays.

I am a moderate Catholic, but I believe that it is wrong to do unnecessary work on a Sunday without a good reason. Of course, there are exceptions.

The Third Commandment tells us clearly to “remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day”. God rested from the work of creation on the seventh day. We live in a pluralist, multicultural society. Other religions also set aside one day a week for reflection and prayer.

The road to economic downfall started in 1994 when supermarkets opened their doors on Sundays. The Church still had some moral credibility left in those days. It chose to remain remarkably silent. We can do as much trading in six days as in seven. When we tried to do more, the economy eventually burst. Let us stay away from shops, businesses, factories and offices on Sundays. A day of rest once a week will do us the world of good.

Michael Mernagh

Carrigaline, Co Cork