Solemnity of All Saints, Plugged Ears and a Sore Throat

Today is the Solemnity of All Saints. It's a Holy Day of Obligation - usually. The Catholic Church has bishops at a national level decide how many days of obligation - when Catholics are required to celebrate Mass - they have in their territory.

Here in America, the bishops decided to drop the obligation for this feast - this year. Something to do with this day falling on a Monday.

Just as well, in my case. My household had a big weekend: #2 daughter and her husband, their dog, a kitten, and #1 daughter were here. As my father used to say, "and a good time was had by all." On the other hand, I fell asleep sitting down here on the first floor last night. This afternoon, my ears are still plugged up and my cold has turned into a sore throat.

'It could be worse,' but I probably should have stayed inside today anyway.

Which didn't keep me from checking out today's readings at the usccb.com website: usccb.org/nab/110110.shtml. They're:

• Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
• 1 John 3:1-3
• Matthew 5:1-12a

So, I've read the readings, written this post. And now, I'm going to get some rest.

What?! Not going to Mass? On the Solemnity of All Saints?!!

First, the bishops in this country waived the obligation for this year.

Second, I'm dealing with at least one sort of infection that should stay minor if I'm smart.

Third, we're called to holiness: not stupidity. I've written about that before.

Related post:

• "Sunday Obligation, Recovering From Surgery, Wild Weather and Martha"
  (July 17, 2010)