SIN: A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOOD AND NEIGHBOR
“Sin is an offense against reason, truth and right conscience it is failure in genuine love
for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. It wounds the nature
of man and injures human solidarity. It has been defined as an utterance, a deed, or a desire
contrary to the eternal law (CCC 1849).
One would always wonder-- why is it easier to err than to act rightly? Is it human
nature to commit sin? Even Saint Paul, in his letter to the Galatians exhorts them to make a
conscious effort to direct their freedom and actions in choosing to do the right thing since
committing sin seems to be imbedded in human nature (Gal.5:13-26). For sin brought man to a
lower state, forcing him away from the completeness that is his to attain (GS 13).
“We fail to do the good we know we should do, and fail to avoid the evil we know we
should not do (PCP II 81). Reflections on sin, its nature and consequences, provide a better tool
in understanding Christian morality. Sin is never acted upon without the absence of human
choice. A person commits mistake as a deliberate choice to defy standards.
However, the burdens and consequences of sin are not left for a person to carry on
his/her own. In fact, as an ultimate sacrifice of God, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus
Christ, in order to carry out the mission of saving His people from sin, His eternal love to His
people brought them out of the bondage of sin to is loving redemption. Even our Church
considered as a human Church endowed with divinity needs constant reformation, an ecclesia
reformanda.
Although set by God in a state of rectitude, man, enticed by the devil one, abused his
freedom at the very start of history (GS 13), Time and again, the beginning of sin is traced from
the Garden of Eden, when the first creatures willfully decided to defy the only restriction God
has imposed despite the abundance He graciously bestowed upon them.
In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were forbidden to partake of the fruit of the Tree
of Knowledge. The temptation of the serpent was for the woman to partake of the fruit of the
tree in order for her to be like God, for when she eats from it, her eyes will be opened, knowing
good from bad. Pride and willful disobedience to God's law opened the reality and existence of
sin. As a consequence, both Adam and Eve realized their nakedness. They were banished from
the garden forever, and the reality of sin continuously existed as a hindrance to a loving
relationship with God. This is known to be the original sin inherited from the first parents. Adam
and Eve assumed to be like God—a manifestation of pride, an abuse of freedom (Gn. 3:1-19).
A. Nature of Sin
“Our faith response to the call of Jesus brings us into the struggle with: sinfulness (PCP
II 81). Sin separates human beings from God. It is a manifestation of a person's failure to
respond to God's invitation and love. Lt breaks one's relationship with Him. It traces itself from
the abuse of human freedom, a gift where an individual can choose actions towards what is
good. Though conscience is made available to facilitate his/her thought-processing whether the
commission or omission of an action is permissible or within the acceptable norms, his/her
freedom sets him/her apart from other creatures. The human person can willfully choose good
actions. Human freedom should not be equated as choice between what is good and bad,
whether to do what is right or wrong, to be a blessing or a curse, or to be morally upright or
viciously wicked. One's wrong exercise of freedom leads him/her to abuse God's gift of free
choice.
The concept of sin, in Christian perspective, uses the Holy Scriptures as a point of
reference to describe its reality and the evil that comes with it. Both Old and New Testaments
view sin as a universal human experience. Sin does not limit itself to a select few but exists as a
common human condition. According to William May, Sin is seen as a power that has entered
into human persons by their voluntary submission to it. The voluntary action refers to the abuse
of one's freedom.
The Old Testament used three common Hebrew terms anent to sin, to wit: hatta, pesha
and awon. Hatta literally means missing the mark This stresses that sin is a willful rejection of
God's known will. Pesha, meaning rebellion, shows how, in sinning,human persons reject God
and His love. Awon, iniquity or guilt, refers to the way sin twists and distorts the sinner's inner
being.
In the New Testament, the principal Greek terms used to refer to sin are anomia, adikia
and skotos. Anomia or lawlessness stresses that sin consists in a spirit of rebellion and
contempt for God and His law. Adikia, meaning injustice, emphasizes that sin is a refusal to
accept God and His reign revealed in Christ and to live in the justice that God has given.
Skotos, meaning darkness, shows that sin is an opposition to the truth of God, to Jesus Christ –
who is the way, the truth and the life,to one's fellowmen/women,and to the truth of being a
human person.
The Old Testament perceives sin to the prejudice of human beings. Sin is an offense
against God's plan and love. Though sin does not harm the nature and inner being of God, for
God as the Almighty can in no way be harmed by the actions of a person, sin reflects a person's
willful refusal to accept God's love. Hence,sin is a refusal rooted in the heart; it is a rejection of
God's offer of grace and friendship.
The New Testament validates the concept of sin yet emphasizes God's reaching out to
sinners in love. God shows His endless mercy and compassion by sending His only begotten
Son to be with everyone. Jesus began His ministry by calling His people to turn away from sin
and repent. His death on the cross actively reconciled sinners with God.
It is through the act of turning away from God that sin exists and continually persists.
Nevertheless, God Himself continuously calls His people to conversion and to reconcile them to
Himself. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus is the saving act in which all human
beings can share by dying to sin in baptism and rising to a new kind of life as made possible by
Jesus Christ's redemptive deed and by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Just as a person turns to God
and clings to Him through repentance, so by sinning man/woman turns away from Him.
One way of understanding the nature of sin in view of the theology of the Catholic
Church is to begin with the definition of St. Augustine of Hippo. According to him, sin pertains to
anything said, done, or desired contrary to the Eternal Law. Moreover, it is the act of turning
away from God and a turning toward the creature!
1. SIN AS CONTRARY TO ETERNAL LAW
The description holds that the essence of committing and omitting an action to sin is a
stark manifestation of breaking God's law. Contemporary theologians are a little apprehensive of
this concept since it raises the issue whether breaking a particular law is adequate and sufficient
determinant in ascertaining the central element in the concept of sin as contrary to Eternal Law.
Sin falls within the bounds of legalism, where sin is an infraction of some externally imposed
norm.
However, according to May, the definition is plausible for moral principle, and norms are
not arbitrary rules imposed upon human liberty: they are, rather, truths in whose light good
choices can be made. The Vatican Council II teaches that the ultimate norm for human conduct
and life is the Eternal Law, whereby God orders, directs, and governs the entire universe and all
the ways of humanity in a plan conceived in love, compassion and grace. As creatures of God
made according to His image and likeness, human beings are equally expected to respond to
God through active participation and obedience to the Eternal Law.
2. SIN AS THE ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF GOODNESS IN ACTION
The mystery of sin hates the light... (CFC 761), it dwells in the darkness of harming
oneself, damaging human community and destroying the relationship between human beings
and God. The substance of the sin is the word, deed, and thought, and what makes it a sin is
that the person, by willfully choosing what he/she knows contrary to God's loving plan, gives to
himself/herself the identity of one opposed to this loving plan.
B. Traditional Classification of Sin
Sin comes in various forms and kinds depending on the gravity of the matter, whether or
not it leads to the separation of the human being from God. The rationality of a Christian, which
includes his/her knowledge and consent, determines the extent through which he/she is
accountable to God. The more he/she has complete knowledge and exerts deliberate consent
on the conduct of a certain behavior, the more it increases his/her moral responsibility upon
himself/herself and God. Traditionally, the Church classified sin as either venial or mortal.
1. Venial sin pertains to a moral action that leads to the separation of an individual from God. In
the spectrum of sins, venial sin is considered as lesser sin and thus results to the loss of God's
grace. Any of these conditions must be considered for a certain behavior or action to be called
as venial:
a. The action is not a grave matter, or not serious in nature--in contrast to killing, adultery
and others.
b. Action is impaired with ignorance, thus the lack of full knowledge of the circumstances
of a situation.
c. Action has been committed in the absence of deliberate and complete consent. If
often committed, venial sin weakens the will which eventually lessens one's power to
resist evil and makes it easier for him/her to commit a mortal sin.
2. Mortal sin refers to a moral action that is graver than venial sin, thus the action is serious. An
individual is fully knowledgeable of the moral responsibility of his/her action. Yet,he/she takes a
willful decision to precede with the action despite the knowledge that it is an absolute violation of
God's law in a grave manner and will seriously strain his/her relationship with God. The nature
of the action as seriously wrong and the existence of full consent qualify the behavior or action
as mortal. Mortal sin, considering its seriousness and gravity, deprives the sinner of God's
sanctifying grace. In the commission of a mortal sin, an individual loses touch of the goodness
and kindness of God. Mortal sin eventually perpetuates to other person and leads to the neglect
of their human dignity. The commission of a mortal sin, when not properly addressed, continues
to pile up, weakens the will of an individual, and eventually darkens his/her intellect. This leads
him/her to commit mortal sins easily.
Three important features must necessarily surround a certain action to qualify it as
mortal sin.
a. The nature of thoughts, desire or action must be serious or grave. The action in itself
is morally bad and not permissible. It includes stealing, robbery, cheating, lustful actions,
killing, and others.
b. The individual is fully aware of the gravity and seriousness of the action and decision.
c. Despite the full knowledge, the individual still fully consents to perform the action.
He/she performs the action with his/her freewill.
C. Sins of Commission and Omission
The performance or non-performance of an action spells out whether or
not the existence of sin transpired. The commission or omission of an action
brings with it moral responsibility. The sin of commission takes place when
an individual actually performed or is performing an evil action. There is the presence of willful
consent to perform an action despite the full knowledge that the action is forbidden or is against
norms. Commission of sin is usually reflected in the negative precepts of the Ten
Commandments such as, You shall not kill and You shall not steal!
However, the sin of omission is the failure to perform a certain good action. When a
certain individual chooses not to act on a certain thing, in the guise of not committing an error,
the omission of the action is a willful consent which also changes the moral responsibility of the
individual. This sin is an offense against the positive precepts or the Do's such as, Remember
the Sabbath day to keep it holy or “Honor your father and mother. Moreover, omissions are also
manifested when an individual neglects his/her professional responsibilities, social obligations or
religious duties.
D. The Three-Fold Dimension of Sin
The act of sinning, willfully deviating from what is required of an individual, affects the
individual three-fold—personal, social and transcendental.
As shown in Illustration, the first dimension of sin is personal, This is when an individual
commits an action that results in the loss of meaning of one's life. A person experiences sin by
merely seeking the gratification of the self, always desiring what Is easy for him/her without
consideration of others. This situation is characterized by less sacrifice. Sometimes, this
appears to be venial, but the increase of moral responsibility on a personal level transpires
when the commission of the action Is merely focused on the self, to the prejudice of othersdisregarding their needs and concerns. An example of this is when a person narcissistically
loves himself/herself to the detriment of others. That means, what matters to the person is
his/her own welfare alone and others are regarded by him/her as non-existent.
The next dimension is social. This means that the individual is not the only one affected
by sin, but also the community and society as a whole. The consequences of an individual's
action affect directly or indirectly his/her fellowmen/women. This causes direct harm to another
individual or leads to a situation that brings evil conditions to others. A politician, for example,
refuses to release the funds for the implementation of an infrastructure program in a certain
locality out of his/her rage to the people for their lack of electoral support from the recently
concluded election. The politician's action is not only self-serving but deprives the supposed
beneficiaries of the infrastructure. It hinders the development of the locality and leaves the
people of the community damaged when the opportunity to improve their standard of living is
taken away from them. Moreover, social sins are manifested when they violate human rights,
freedom, justice, and the common good. They, such as class struggle, inflict and. strain the
relationship between human communities. As PCP II states,
There are sinful social structures which can harden into institutions, and result in a
network or environment that effectively hinders growth in the Christian life. These sinful social
structures perpetuate disvalues or the wrong hierarchy of values. They are inducements to sin
and are a formidable obstacle to Christian living. The terrible effects of sin and sinful structures
are seen in the many uncared for and the malnourished children of our unjust society, the
wretchedness of the jobless and the homeless, the proliferation of crimes, the pervasiveness of
graft and corruption, the lack of peace and order or the horrors of war (82).
The final dimension is transcendental. The commission of sin is a manifestation of
complete disregard of God and His divine plan. The individual completely rejects God and
willfully transgresses God's law, which is crafted in order to achieve the common good. All
mortal sins are situated within the range of transcendental dimension since an individual who
commits a mortal sin is not being governed by his/her faith or belief in God which contributes to
his/her complete disregard and disobedience to God's plan.
A Christian maximizes his/her reason and will in order to determine whether a certain
action is worth the consequence. He/she weighs whether the commission or omission of an act
would lead to the betterment of the self, others, and his/her relationship with God or not. The
three-fold dimension of sin reflects that commission of sin can widely affect not only the self but
for others, as well.
E. Other Christian Virtues as threatened by the Capital Sins
The Bible enunciates that there are certain actions that immensely strain one's loving
relationship with God. These are considered capital sins. As much as possible, Christians are
called to refrain from the commission of the capital sins and take conscious efforts to overcome
them and develop virtues that completely run contrary to the capital sins. These capital sins are
called as such because they give rise to other sins.
1. Chastity as threatened by lust.
Chastity is not simply abstaining from sex, but directs one's sexuality towards proper
expression of love and intimacy. Chastity encourages Christians to respect the individuality and
sexuality of others by not engaging in sexual activities until the right time has come—the
celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Moreover, married Christians are required to be
loyal to each other and never defile their marriage by engaging in sexual relationships outside
marriage. Chastity is in consonance with God's desire to keep one's body as temple of the Holy
Spirit by not engaging in lustful activities.
Lust refers to the strong emotional force of an individual directly or indirectly associated
with the thinking or fantasizing of someone, usually in a sexual way. It is an excessive desire of
a person to think about and engage in sex. The physical need of the flesh urges the person to
put primacy on his/her fleshly desires. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, a Christian's
heart is lustful when venereal satisfaction is sought for either outside wedlock or, at any rate, in
a manner which is contrary to the laws that govern marital intercourse. Moreover, the Catechism
of the Catholic Church (CCC) defines lust as the disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment
for sexual pleasure. Lust, by nature, attacks the sexual aspects of a person. It comes in various
forms such as fornication, adultery, incest, criminal assault, abduction, and sodomy.
2. Moderation as threatened by gluttony.
Moderation refers to the reasonable and willful control of the desire for pleasure.
Naturally, the desire for food is good; however, when it becomes unnecessary and not within the
limits, results to gluttony. The inordinate indulgence to drinking wine or alcoholic beverages
leads to drunkenness. This is controlled or Overcome through abstinence.
Gluttony comes from the Latin glutire, meaning to gulp or swallow. This is a human
behavior that pertains to the overindulgence of a person to consume food more than what is
required. Accordingly, gluttony manifests in five ways: prae-propere, laute, nimis, ardenter,
studiose. When translated, gluttony is committed when it happens too soon, too expensively,
too much, too eagerly, and too daintily. Moreover, moral responsibility increases when the
commission of the act leads one to injure his/her health or impair the mental faculty needed for
the discharge of his/her duties.
3. Generosity as threatened by greed.
Generosity pertains to the unselfish act of a Christian to show his/her compassion,
concern, and love for others. It is the imitation of the examples of Jesus Christ when He showed
His compassion to the poor, desolate, and outcast. It is the giving of the self to others, with love
and compassion--even without consideration of any reciprocal action from them. It is a show of
love to Jesus through others. Greed refers to the excessive possession of wealth, material
goods, or anything of value. It places the individual at the center of one's obsession in
possessing material wealth. Greed is viewed as an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more
than what one needs especially with respect to material wealth. It becomes more systemic
within a culture as contributed by increasing consumerism where people endlessly want to buy
or possess things that are luxurious even if not needed anymore, where there is crossing
beyond what are considered as basic needs.
4. Diligence as threatened by sloth.
Diligence pertains to the hard work exerted by an individual in the performance of a
task. Through diligence, Christians are helped to fulfill their calling both by directing them away
from vice and leading them to earnest care for others. Christians exert extra amount of effort in
order to avoid being negligent and neglectful of the responsibilities entrusted to them. Sloth,
laziness in simplest term,refers to the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. Whatever
endeavor In life requires effort, Failure to exert diligence, therefore, is a manifestation of sloth,
Hore, the person longs for those that do not require effort. There is unwillingness of the person
to respond to God's call of salvation.
5. Patience as threatened by wrath.
Grace under pressure characterizes a Christian who is able to keep his/her cool and
patience even in the midst of adversaries and turmoil. A person avoids letting his/her emotion
get a hold of himself/herself when situations do not turn out the way he/she expects them to be.
Instead of bursting out his/her anger and animosities, a person will take some time to sort things
out, assess the situation and think of possible situations to settle the problem, Patience
manifests the value of endurance wherein under a difficult circumstance; an Individual is able to
persevere without being annoyed.
Accordingly, wrath, also known as rage or extreme anger, is an Inordinate and
uncontrolled feeling of hatred and anger. It Is sinful because it pursues revenge whether one
deserves It or not. It Is a sin because it Is associated with selfishness. Anger can be dispelled,
one should take a conscious effort to overcome wrath to avoid untoward incident to happen due
to one's inability to control it.
6. Kindness as threatened by envy.
Kindness is simply described as a thoughtful consideration of others by showing
concern and genuine courtesy to them. A Christian does not solely focus on himself/herself but
considers the welfare of others. It may be in extending a helping hand, patiently waiting for
one's turn, or even responding to others with a smile.
Envy, though sometimes interchangeably used with greed, is more distinct since it is not
solely associated with material possession, but may apply more in general terms. An example is
the negative notion of crab mentality. Due to envy and jealousy, a person tends to pull down
another who has achieved something higher.
7. Humility as threatened by pride.
Humility pertains to the quality of an individual to be modest and respectful. It signifies
submissiveness. As stated in the Catholic Encyclopedia, humility is a virtue by which a person
considers his/ her own defects and has lowly opinion of himself/herself and willing to submit
oneself to God and to others for God’s sake.
Pride refers to a satisfied sense of attachment toward one's own or another's choices
and actions, or toward a whole group of people, and is a product of praise, independent selfreflection, or a fulfilled feeling of belonging. However, it can be understood in the perspective of
unguarded pride. Pride, or hubris, is considered the original and most serious of the sins. It is
identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge their
good work. It is the excessive love of self (especially holding self out of proper position toward
God). Pride constitutes sin for it hinders one to be humble. It makes one self-sufficient in
himself/herself when to the person, there is no room for God's grace.
TRAITS OF A CHRISTIAN
THE LIFE story OF Saint ALOYSIUS GONZAGA
Luigi Gonzaga was born on March 9, 1568, in Northern Italy, between Brescia and
Mantova. He received military training and an excellent classical education while serving at the
court of Francesco I de Medici in Florence. Luigi found his life turned upside down when he
became ill with a kidney disease, and, during his recóvery, he devoted himself to prayer and the
study of the lives of the saints. At the age of 12, he returned to his father's castle, where he met
the great saint and cardinal Charles Borromeo. Luigi had not yet received his First Communion,
so the cardinal administered it to him. Shortly thereafter, he conceived of the idea of joining the
Jesuits and became a missionary. His father was adamantly opposed to the idea, both because
he wanted his son to follow in his footsteps as a condottiere, and because, by becoming a
Jesuit, Luigi would give up all rights to inheritance. When it became clear that the boy was intent
on being a priest, his family tried to convince him to become a secular priest and, later, bishop,
so that he could receive his inheritance. Luigi, however, was not to be swayed, and his father
finally relented. At the age of 17, he was accepted into the Jesuit novitiate in Rome; at the age
of 19, he took vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. While he was ordained a deacon at the
age of 20, he never became a priest.
In 1590, Luigi, suffering from his kidney problems and other ailments, received a vision
of the Archangel Gabriel, who told him that he would die within a year. When a plague broke out
in Rome in 1591, Luigi volunteered to work with plague victims, and he contracted the disease
in March. He received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and recovered, but, in another
vision, he was told that would die on June 21, the octave day of the Feast of Corpus Christi that
year. His confessor, Saint. Robert Cardinal Bellarmine administered the last rites, and Saint
Aloysius died shortly before midnight.
Pious legend has it that Saint Aloysius's first words were the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary,
and his last word was the Holy Name of Jesus.
In his short life, he burned brightly for Christ, which is why Benedict XIII named him the patron
saint of youth at his canonization on December 31, 1726.
Some institutions all over the world adopted St. Louis as patron and model for the students. The
feast of Saint Louis Gonzaga is celebrated on June 21.
Christians are expected to internalize their humanity and to realize that they are dutybound to live their life in accordance to morality and their Christian faith. As they are confronted
with many challenges, and difficulties, they must look within, reflect on their reality and
determine courses of actions that are consistent to the teaching of Christ and the Church. They
must be governed by moral virtues and values to live harmoniously with others. The Parable of
the Good Samaritan demonstrates a genuine concern for others.
Inspired Word of God
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37)
On one occasion a lawyer stood up to pose him this problem: “Teacher,” what must l do
to inherit everlasting life? Jesus answered him. What is written in the Law? How do you read it?
He replied: 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
strength and with all your mind; and, your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said. You have answered
correctly. Do this and you shall live. But because he wished to justify himself, so he said to
Jesus, and who is my neighbor? Jesus replied: There was a man going down from Jerusalem to
Jericho who fell prey to robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and then went off leaving him half
dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road; he saw him but continued on.
Likewise, there was a Levite who came the same way; he saw him and went on. But a
Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight. He
approached him and dressed his wounds, pouring in oil and wine. He then hoisted him on his
own beast and brought him to an inn where he cared for him. The next day he took out two
silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper with the request: 'Look after him and if there is any
further expense I will repay you on my way back!' Which of these three, in your opinion, was
neighbor to the man who fell in with the robbers? 37The answer came. ＂The one who treated
him with compassion. Jesus said to him, then go and do the same!
This parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates Jesus' comprehensive concept of the Law
or the Torah which is central in the teachings of the Jews compared with the narrow concept of
some Jews which is often colored by their bias of being the chosen people of God. Not only the
Israelites but even those outside the so called people of God can also practice or live the Torah
and be saved. This speaks of the universality of God's offer of salvation contrary to some bias
which claims that only a certain group of people such as the Israelites are being offered
salvation by God. The parable also shows that the laws or values Christians must practice as
lived and taught by no other than Jesus Himself should not be limited by human norms or
boundaries. Salvation cannot be acquired by just becoming a member of a group such as
religion and the likes and following their rules or laws. Christian virtues or values must go
beyond those societal and religious boundaries even those religious laws if needed.
Acts of charity must go beyond the minimum requirements stipulated by the law. Faith in
God and the Love which should motivate all one's actions should go beyond human set
boundaries or norms.
As followers of Christ and the teachings of the Church, Christians must continuously
nurture and develop their values, so he can possess traits reflective of his faith and devotion as
a Roman Catholic.
Church Teaching
The entire body of the faithful, anointed as they are by the Holy One, cannot err in
matters of belief. They manifest this special property by means of the whole peoples'
supernatural discernment in matters of faith when from the Bishops down to the last of the lay
faithful" they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals. That discernment in
matters of faith is aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth. It is exercised under the guidance
of the sacred teaching authority, in faithful and respectful obedience to which the people of God
accepts that which is not just the word of men but truly the word of God. Through it, the people
of God adheres unwaveringly to the faith given once and for all to the saints, penetrates it more
deeply with right thinking, and applies it more fully in its life (LG 12).
A. Traits of a Christian
Christians are expected to behave in accordance to Christian moral virtues and values.
Their actions and behaviors must be in conformity to the teachings of Jesus Christ. There are
specific attributes Christians must exhibit in order to qualify them as such.
1. God above all.
This enunciates that God is the source of everything. Putting Him above all the rest is
indeed recognizing His sovereignty and the limitedness and frailty of human beings. It
reveals that mere human efforts are not enough to bring fulfillment in life. This trait
places Jesus Christ at the epicenter and locus of the lives of Christians, ensuring that
actions and behaviors must be in consonance with the life, teachings, and Ministry of
Jesus Christ (Eph. 3:20, Col. 3:23-24).
2. Faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus and the Church.
Christians are exposed to the teachings of Christ as manifested in the doctrines of the
Catholic Church to illuminate them with the realities and complexities of life. Through
these teachings, Christians are taught on how to widen their understanding and to
respond to every situation in their lives. It guides them to live a life that is in full
obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Observance of the teachings of Jesus and
the Church also reflects the virtue of obedience, which is a supreme test of faith and
confidence in God. Jesus Christ portrayed a perfect example of obedience as He lived
His life on earth in full and absolute obedience to His Father, even to the point of death
(Phil. 1:27,2 Thes.2:15).
3. Ability to bear fruits in words and deeds.
As Christians become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, their
lives are renewed. Their actions bear fruit when they touch others' lives which are a
great testimony to the life of Jesus Christ. Living in conformity to Christian norms and
morals, they are able to live and respond to the realities of life with a better perspective.
Their words, thoughts, and actions are representative of that change--within the bounds
of Christ-like response to their relationship with Christ and others (Tit. 1:8, Jn. 15:5,7-8).
4.Passionate towards others.
This shows love towards others in Christ- like manner, a manifestation of
responsiveness to moral responsibility towards others. The love for others shows that a
person responds to others positively since he/she sees others as an extension of Jesus
Christ. When. One respects, loves, and understands others, he/she, in return, does the
same towards Christ. One's good dealings with others also serve as a deepening of
his/her faith in Jesus Christ (Gal. 9-10, Rom. 15:2,7,2 Cor. 13:11-12).
5. Making disciples of all people.
Christians are expected to share their faith to all peoples and cultures. Christians bring
others to the Catholic fold in order for them to fully realize and experience the promises
of God to those who believe and profess Him as their God (Mt. 28:19 20, 2 Cor. 2:14-15,
Gal. 6:6). Christians are expected to place God above all, devote time to learn the
teachings of Christ and the Church and bear fruits in words and deeds, passionate
toward others, and make disciples of all people.
Missionary Response
We are challenged to respond to the call for living a virtuous life by:
1. Devoting our everyday life in aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds to the teachings of
Christ and the Church;
2. Developing habits in putting God at the center of our lives and surrendering ourselves to the
sovereignty of God;
3. Allocating time in prayer, knowing that God destined things to happen and knowing that God
gives direction and guidance; and,
4. Dedicating time in reading the Word of God and in attending masses, so our faith is
nourished and deepened.
TEN COMMANDMENTS
The principles underlying the Ten Commandments are focused on the basic and
fundamental values of life and good relationship with others and how to maintain these good
conditions for the human person. Compared with other societal norms, there is a strong
emphasis on the common ground or foundation of all these values which is God the Creator of
everything. Thus, the authority of the Ten Commandments is derived from no other than God
Himself. So, the Ten Commandments emphasized that these values are very much grounded
on God, who is the source of life and every good thing that will lead to a meaningful existence
for the individual person as well as for the community or society as a whole. In the Church
teaching, the sustenance of this meaningful existence will also lead the people to their proper
destiny in life which is entry into the Kingdom of God.
Church Teaching
All men are called to belong to the new people of God. Wherefore this people, while
remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and must exist in all
ages, so that the decree of God's will may be fulfilled. In the beginning God made human nature
one and decreed that all His children, scattered as they were, would finally be gathered together
as one. It was for this purpose that God sent His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, that
be might be teacher, king, and priest of all, the head of the new and universal people of the sons
of God. For this too God sent the Spirit of His Son as Lord and Life-giver (Gaudete et Exsultate,
61), He brings together the whole Church and each and every one of those who believe, and
who is the well-spring of their unity in the teaching of the apostles and in fellowship, in the
breaking of bread and in prayers (LG 13).
A. Understanding the Ten Commandments
In full obedience to the command of the Lord, Moses started his sojourn at Mount Sinai
and received the Lord's Commandments on tablets of stones. God gave the Commandments to
remind His people that there are certain acceptable guidelines that they needed to follow in
order to live a life that would reflect their respect to their own lives and to the lives, honor and
dignity of others, and to deepen their faith and fellowship with Him.
The Ten Commandments reminds us of the covenant between God and His people and
the promises connected with it. When God Yahweh called Moses, He introduced Himself as the
God of the forefathers of the Israelites starting with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and so on. With
this, it is therefore understood that these Israelites are the people who came from the lineage of
Abraham who had a special relationship with Yahweh.
1. Finding Relevance in Modern Reality
The Ten Commandments, though it was instituted in the ancient times, is. still relevant to
modern Christianity. The substance of the Commandments remains to be pure and steadfast,
standing the test of time as to its relevance and
efficacy. These are not antiquated commandments
that are non-responsive to the present
circumstances and situations of people. The ideas
enshrined within the Commandments are not
legalistic in nature, strictly prescribing what is not
supposed to be done and delimiting the dynamism
of human nature. The Commandments are more
prescriptive and normative, finding better
mechanisms, through which Christians strengthen their Catholic faith, deepen their intimate
relationship with God and enjoin themselves to be in a harmonious fellowship with others.
2. Dimensions of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments reveals the moral responsibility of a Christian into two dimensions:
towards God and towards others. God recognizes that for people to live a fruitful Christian life. It
is not sufficient that they solely focus their attention on their faith in God. Through His
commandments, He emphasized that living harmoniously with others also plays a vital role in
living a religious and Christian life. The vertical bar of the cross pertains to a loving relationship
with God, recognizing His sovereignty upon one's life, living a repentant and contrite heart, and
flourishing a loving relationship with Him. The horizontal bar of the cross reveals the human
person's responsibility towards fellow human beings. Jesus Himself revealed that people must
make peace with others and continuously make conscious efforts to live harmoniously with
them.
As Christians who are in a continuous journey towards perfection for the glory of God,
the Ten Commandments is a great springboard for reflection on relevant guidelines that
Christians must live by to respond to their moral responsibility towards God and others.
Christians, as moral beings bestowed with free will and choice, are given the Commandments
as effective points of reflection in order to conduct themselves in honorable manners. When
they accept and follow the Commandments wholeheartedly, they are worthy to be called God's
children. However, when they choose to deviate away from the Commandments by misusing
their freedom, this leads to separating themselves from the love of God and the harmonious
relationship with others.
B. Moral Responsibility towards God in the Ten Commandments
1. 1ST Commandment – YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME
I, The Lord, am your God... You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not
carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in
the waters beneath the earth. You shall not bow down before them or worship them. (Ex.20:2-
＂ I, The Lord, am your God... is an authoritative statement. The Catechism for Filipino
Catholics (CFC) states the Bible Records God's entering into a special covenant relationship
with His chosen people, the race of Abraham, the people of Israel (62). This covenantal
relationship between God and the Israelites is now being deserted by the Israelites' act of
worshiping the golden calf.
Why did God-YHWH insist to stick with His covenantal relationship with the Israelites
and even followed it up with the Commandments? Before His covenantal relationship with the
Israelites, there was the human search for the meaning of life and its elements such as security
or stability, harmony, true contentment, and especially the longing for immortality. With all these
human longings, the commandments especially the first one is God's gracious answer. This is
God's own initiative as part of His salvific plan for humanity. As CFC mentions, “True happiness
and our final destiny are achieved within the framework revealed in God's laws (880). As Christ
taught, eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus
Christ (Jn. 17:3).
The Catechism for Filipino Catholics further reminds that knowing the true God is
liberating. It sets people from restlessness in searching for true contentment and everlasting
happiness (883). On the other way around, not knowing the true God will lead people astray and
they will not achieve the noble human aspirations mentioned above.
God has formed the Israelites as His special possession and gave them the Ten
Commandments to proclaim Him as the true God for all people. The prophet Amos proclaimed
Yahweh as the God of all, and this was ultimately realized by the coming of Jesus, the savior of
all.
The first Commandment has a follow-up reminder of not making graven image or statues
and worshiping them as gods. This follow-up reminder does not prohibit people from making
any image or statues such as statues of heroes and the saints since the warning emphasizes on
not worshiping them as gods such as the golden calf.
In the Book of Exodus where the Ten Commandments is found, there is also a chapter
(25:1 10) which shows God instructing His people to make the images of the Seraphim and the
Cherubim (angels) on top of the Ark of the Covenant. Later on, the Ark of the Covenant was an
image in itself which for the Israelites were a sign of God's presence in their midst. In the New
Testament, there are even images that directly point to God Himself such as the Dove during
the baptism of Jesus and the tongues of fire during Pentecost. These examples clearly tell that
images which remind people of God's presence are not prohibited since God Himself is also
using images or signs and symbols in communicating with His people. These images are
strongly emphasized as reminders of God or of His presence, and they are not to be considered
as substitutes for Him or totally equated with Him since this will be very degrading on His part.
God as a transcendent and perfect Being cannot be limited by a permanent image, statue, or
even by a permanent name or word or language.
From the above discussion on the use of images, it is also clear that the Catholic
practice of venerating sacred images is not a violation of the First Commandment. Showing
respect to the sacred images was the same with the Israelite's practice of showing respect to
the Ark of the Covenant and the other reminders of God's presence in their midst. Veneration
should not be equated with adoration or worship. Adoration, praise, or worship is only reserved
for God while veneration is for all sacred images. Veneration is simply giving respect to the
sacred images like by touching, kissing, and other ways which may have their cultural origin.
CFC states sacred images and statues can offer valuable help or genuine aid for Christian
prayer and worship (892). Those who misunderstand the nature and purpose of the sacred
images and status are considered as idolatrous.
In venerating sacred images, CFC reminds people to be always aware of the temptation
from these images which is: from merely reminding us of God, they tend to gradually become a
god, an idol. An image can either bring the reality it represents to mind, to aid devotion and
attention, or it can become a substitute for the reality itself and thus become an object of
idolatry. The Commandment reminds people that God the Creator is infinitely beyond any of His
creatures; no image or mental concept can ever capture Him. Deus simper major-God is always
greater (891).
a. Sovereignty of God as a Core Principle
The first commandment underscores the importance of submitting ourselves under the
authority and sovereignty of the Lord. Through this commandment, God the Father establishes
His authority, emphasizing His existence as an Omnipotent and Omniscient God. By virtue
thereof, Christians are expected to submit themselves under the cloak of authority and
sovereignty. Christians are called upon to adhere to God alone and avoid any form of worship to
other beings, humans, animals, things, or others. This Commandment runs parallel with a
gospel narrative in the New Testament. During the temptation of Jesus to worship Satan in
exchange for all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus rebuked Satan outright by emphasizing that
only God deserves worship, He alone be served (Matthew 4:10). Jesus further revalidated this
commandment when He said, Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your
strength (Mk. 12:29-30).
In the CCC, Christians are invited to believe in the existence of God and to love Him
above all else (198). CCC further requires Christians to adore God, pray to Him, offer Him true
worship that belongs to Him alone, and fulfill the promises and vows made to Him (2084). These
are great virtues of religion that make Christians obedient to the first commandment.
b. Violations against the First Commandment
This commandment enjoins Christians to love God above everything else. There are
various instances when one shows the sin against the first commandment. Indifference reveals
the outright neglect of a Christian to reflect on God's love, His innate goodness, and denies His
control over Him. Indifference neither accepts nor rejects God's power and love. Ingratitude is
the failure to respond to the love of Christ (agape)--living one's life that shows his/her gratitude
to the protection, love, and blessings that God unselfishly gives to His people. Lukewarmness
is the refusal to recognize the sovereignty of God which eventually leads to one's hesitation to
respond to God's love. The grave violation against the first commandment is hatred towards
God. It is basically a complete opposite of the love of/for God, denying His existence, goodness,
and sovereignty. To be responsive to the essential duties called upon by the first commandment,
Christians are called to Jive a prayerful life and learn how to fulfill their promises and vows to
God. This goes out to say that an individual uses his/her freedom without any coercion by
external agents.
Furthermore, the first commandment shuns the submission of Christians to other gods
which sometimes are manifested in superstition, idolatry, divination, magic, irreligion, atheism,
and agnosticism. Clearly, the commandment only requires that there is no other God; that
Christians must only be responsive to the Lord and fulfill their obligations before God.
In Filipino contexts, paganism and animism are concrete illustrations of how individuals
fail to respond to Gods sovereignty and love. Our strong cultural upbringing on superstitions
clouds our Christian faith that sometimes, it dissociates the sovereignty of God over the
circumstances of the Filipinos. Naturally, superstition is a deviation against religion for it is
rooted on unfounded and unknown reasoning, and it affects our manner of worship of the true
God. One is required to perform a certain action not based on reason and knowledge. It is a
custom followed suit without a clear understanding of its importance and necessity.
The first commandment also condemns polytheism （ belief in more than one God).
Polytheism deviates from the core principle of the commandment to refuse and accept any form
of worship and veneration to other divinities except God alone.
Divination is also another important issue worth discussing as a deviation of the first
commandment. Divination refers to complete reliance on horoscopes, astrology, palm reading,
and interpretation of omens and lots as a basis to seek guidance in determining the direction of
an individual's life. These forms of divination are direct recourse to other mediums to conceal
the future or seek for relief from temporal sufferings. This is indeed a manifestation that one
doubts his faith in God, his promises, goodness and sovereignty. It contradicts the fundamental
principle of honor, respect and love that God alone deserves.
With the changing of times, there are several distractions that beset Christians on how
they demonstrate their veneration and worship of God. Christians are more re-occupied with
material possession, gaining more social stature, acquiring technological gadgets -people spend
most of their time fulfilling their temporal needs, such as over pre-occupation to work, addiction
to increasing material wealth, spending more time in television, the internet, and others. These
are unconscious manifestations of their disregard to the primacy of God, thus a clear deviation
from the first commandment, Generally, anything or anyone that tries to take over the primacy of
God over the lives of the Christians indicative of disregard or unresponsiveness to the divine
charity and unconscious veneration of earthly possessions and social stature.
2. 2ND Commandment – YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOU GOD IN
VAIN
a. Sanctity of the Name
For the Israelites, a name has a high value. Giving of a name is one of the very difficult
things to do. A name is very closely connected with the person if not totally identified with
him/her. It could also indicate the kind of life that the person will have or his/her mission. As
shown in many instances in the Sacred Scriptures, there were changes in the names of people
such as the names of Abraham from Abram, Sarah from Sarai, and others. Thus a name could
be equated with the identity or even the dignity of the person. As CFC states The name stood
for the person, the name made the person present and active (895). It is in this context that the
second Commandment should be understood. Since God is a Holy one, His name, which for the
Israelites is intimately linked with Him, should also be treated with reverence. There were even
years in the history of the Israelítes that they did not even mention or pronounce the name ＂
YHWH since it is too holy to be uttered. So, they used other titles such as Adonaí (Lord) and
others.
The Second Commandment expresses that the name of God should be respected or
revered at all times. The assumption goes that manipulating the name of God is also
manipulating God Himself. For most people, in order to gain credibility on a certain issue, they
usually use God's name to support their oath or statement. The commandment underscores the
use of the Lord's name in vain as a lame excuse to exempt an individual from guilt or convince
others on whatever contentions he/she has. It is as if using the Lord's name guarantees
reliability of one's statement and God Himself stands as his witness as to its truthfulness and
veracity. The expression in vain connotes bearing witness that is a lie or a fabrication.
b. Violations against the Second Commandment
Generally, the commandment abhors the misuse of the name of the Lord, considering
the sovereignty and authority that come with it. False representation of God can be considered
also as profanity, a discredit to the true nature and divinity of God. The misrepresentation of
God's words bears false witness against God, thus not a great testimony of who and what God
is and can potentially discourage others to embrace the Catholic faith. Sometimes, Christians
fall prey to this kind of misrepresentation, especially when making an oath. This is also
applicable in using the name of God to curse or invoke punishment. This maligns the true nature
of God and discredits His sovereignty and goodness. lt is within the realm of humans that God
may be compelled to act on our behalf to inflict punishment on others. For others, this
commandment clearly prohibits the casual use of God's name in interjections and curse. The
blasphemous use of God's name and curse portray indecency and disrespect to God, in
general.
However, despite strong prohibition, some people still fall into the trap of using the name
of the Lord in vain. This eventually estranges human beings from God, as it separates them
from a loving relationship with Him. In modern application, a concrete manifestation of violating
this commandment is through perjury. Though more appropriate to legal situations, perjury
pertains to a willful and voluntary act of telling a certain thing with the intention of not fulfilling it.
It refers to the act of fabricating the truth in the guise of eluding punishment or reprimand. The
commandment reminds that as faithful Christians, they are expected to be careful in their
promise, since God is always faithful to His promises.
3. Third Commandment – REMEMBER TO KEEP THE HOLY LORD’S DAY
Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your work
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. No work may be done then either b
you or your son or daughter or your male or female slave, or your beast or by the alien who lives
with you...on the seventh day God rested... and blessed it and made it holy. (Ex. 20:8-11)
The observance of the Sabbath does not mean that it must be taken literally. There are
two things that this commandment is conveying to the human person--the time for God and the
respect for the human person. How does one show this respect for God and the human person?
As tradition taught which is attested by the Sacred Scriptures, this is shown primarily by going to
worship God as one community, as His people, and by respecting others in providing their
physical bodies a time to rest in preparation for the next days' work.
Aside from worshipping God and resting, what are other implications of the Third
Commandment? How should one make the day of the Lord holy? Is this done only in the chapel
or church? Some people attend the Holy Mass but after their participation, they go back to their
usual lifestyle which is often not consistent with Christian living. So aside from worshipping God
in the church, do people also make the day of the Lord holy in their homes, in their dealings with
others, and in their dealings with nature?
The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II) stresses that all of life is worship or the
whole of life must be an act of worship as Saint Paul also pointed out in his letter to the Romans
(167-168). Worship should not be separated from the totality of life. There should be no
dichotomy between the two.
a. Worship as the Core of the Third Commandment
The Commandment clearly requires Christians to acknowledge six days, where they can
devote themselves to various undertakings; however, on the seventh day, they must set it apart
as a time for full worship and devotion to God. God sets an example when He created heavens
and the earth. God recognizes that human beings have to work in order to fulfill their
physiological, social, and psychological needs. The seventh day allows Christians to spiritually
rejuvenate themselves and draw inspiration from the teachings of the Church. According to
Abraham Joshua Heschel in his book The Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man,
Technical civilization Is man's conquest of space. lt is a triumph frequently achieved by
sacrificing an essential ingredient of existence, namely, time. In technical civilization, we expend
time to gain space., The meaning of the Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six
days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath, we try to become
attuned to holiness in time. It is a day on which we are called upon to share in what is eternal in
time, to turn from the results of creation to the mystery of creation; from the world of creation to
the creation of the world.
The third commandment calls upon Christians to perform their Sunday obligation of
attending Church, fellowshipping with Christ through the Eucharist. Through the observance of
the Sabbath, Christians aptly recognize the Lord as supreme and sovereign over their lives, and
that everything here on earth is from God.
In Matthew 12:9-14, when Jesus went to the synagogue, He saw a man whose hand has
withered. The Pharisees, who were experts of the law and knew that any form of work is
prohibited on Sabbath, questioned Jesus whether it was lawful or not. Jesus, in return,
responded with a parable and made a clear stand that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. In
the observance of the Sabbath, Jesus exhorts that living a virtuous life and doing what is right
and good are allowable. Jesus makes assurance that doing good during Sabbath is allowed
since Sabbath is for people, and not people for Sabbath.
b. Violations against the Third Commandment
What then does this commandment prohibit? The teachings of Jesus Christ are clear
such that anything that does not amount to honoring God (deepening intimate relationship with
Him) and extending ourselves for the benefit of others is a direct manifestation of violating this
commandment. Anything that does not glorify God and respect the dignity of others must be
avoided during the Lord's Day.
MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS OTHERS
4. 4TH Commandment – HONOR YOUR FATHER & MOTHER
＂Honor your father and your mother: That your days may be long upon the land which
the Lord your God has given you (Ex. 20: 12).
a. Family as the Most Fundamental Unit of the Society
The fourth commandment underscores the imperative of respecting and honoring one's
parents or elders with a guarantee of individual blessings. In the fourth commandment, God
reveals that after one's moral responsibility towards God, an individual is also called to show
respect and to honor others, having one's parents as the foremost people to whom he/she
accords such. The family is the most fundamental agent of socialization within a society. The
strength of the moral fabric of the family, with mutual respect between parents and children
reverberates and brings positive effect in the society.
The family is the foundation of social life. It is the natural society in which husband and
wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life. Authority, stability, and a life of
relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity
within society. The family is a community in which from childhood, one can learn moral values,
begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom. Family life is an initiation into life in society
(CCC 2207).
The family is meant by God to be the first school of discipleship where the parents are
the first catechists of their children, and where all the members mutually evangelize each other.
It is also the first school of evangelization where the members learn to share with others the
grace and light of Christ. It ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted and from which
the Gospel radiates (PCP II, 57.6).
b. From Birth to Perpetuity
The moral duty towards parents is not limited to fully submitting o them when they are
still providing for one's needs and education, but it extends even up to their old age, especially
in times of illness and distress. This support is an acknowledgment and a gesture of gratitude to
parents for the life, love, and effort given by them. The material and moral support is a
manifestation of giving back to the parents the immeasurable love and sacrifices they have
unselfishly given to their children.
The commandment implies that parents are innately good and that they are primarily
concerned with the well-being and welfare of their children. Their actions and decisions are
geared towards the holistic development of their children and a response to the growing needs
of the society. The parents are always in continuous search for the good of their children, and
that as a simple gesture of gratitude to these unselfish acts, children are bound to obey their
parents.
However, modernity has been contributory to the corruption of the moral fabric of the
family, including the parents. Sometimes, there are parents that are not mindful of the needs
and demands of their children and worst, do all sorts of abuse to their children. Some children
scorn their parents and not a single trace of respect to their parents is apparent. However, the
Commandment calls for respect and honor to parents by virtue of their stature as parents.
Honoring our parents is geared towards active obedience. Children are encouraged to
listen to the wisdom of parents on issues pertaining to their lives.In case of conflict of ideas, the
lines of communication should be made open to properly sort out the issues and draw a win-win
resolution to the problem. Obedience does not mean blind, entirely following the whims and
desires of parents, but learning how to communicate one's views and opinions to further resolve
the issues without straining the relationship or harbor ill feelings towards parents. Most of
rebellious children emerged from families which failed to communicate with one another. Hatred
builds up until each member of the family gets fed up with each other.
The song Anak reminds Christians on the indispensable roles parents play in the lives of
their children that despite the lack of respect and gratitude of the children towards their parents
sometimes, parents endure all the pains and sufferings and always seek what is good and
beneficial for their children. They stick with their children in their most difficult times and shelter
them with love and security with the many challenges life can offer.
5. 5TH Commandment – YOU SHALL NOT KILL （Ex. 20:13).
a. Primacy of Life
The fifth commandment emphasizes the importance and the dignity of human life. No
one has the innate right to take this away from his/her own self or from others. It is neither a
right that can be bestowed to anyone. The primacy of life is anchored on the fact that human
beings are created in the image and likeness of God, thus, must be accorded with respect and
esteem. The inherent value of human life reveals that in any dealings, one does not have any
entitlements to take away the life of others. It reminds individuals that even in hatred and anger,
there is a need to consider the inherent human life one possesses and must make a continuous
effort to respect and honor it.
b. Violations against the Fifth Commandment
Murder and. willful abortion are the direct violations to this commandment. PCP II
stresses the crime against the unborn who can neither defend their God-given life nor cry out in
even the feeblest of cries for help. Their cries do reach the heart of the Creator (382). It further
stresses the Church's condemnation of directly-willed abortion (585). Any action that
deliberately takes away the life of other people is completely against this commandment.
Regarding euthanasia, recent debates have spurred in various walks of life on whether it
is justified and acceptable or not. Etymologically, euthanasia comes from the Greek words Eu
which means good, and thanatos, death. lt is understood as an action that aids an. ailing
person to die. It connotes that an ailing individual is either in extreme pain or in a state of
comatose, that likeability for survival is considered to be too slim and the best option to alleviate
the pain is to shorten the life of the patient. Therefore, death is the only foreseen solution to
ease the suffering. of the ailing individual.
The mere consent of ending the suffering, though noble and notable, still shows that one
has willfully taken the life of another. God is the giver of Life and He alone is entitled to end the
life He has given. The act of euthanasia actually degrades the dignity of people who are sick,
vulnerable and disadvantaged, since they are already regarded as burden and difficult to bear
rather than people to endure within the name of love, hope, and faith. The Church upholds that
as life is a gift from God, thus sacred, must strictly life of a person. adhere to the Natural Law,
allowing nature to take its course in ending the
The CCC explicitly mentions human acts that completely run contrary to the
commandment, to wit: direct and intentional murder and the cooperation in it, direct abortion,
euthanasia, and suicide. God places primacy on the value of life, thus must be respected and
protected. Directly aborting a fetus and ending the life of those suffering (or in the near-death
situations) are direct violations of the commandment. Suicide, on the other hand, is considered
a grave offense that completely disregards the love of God and the dignity of human life (470).
With the recent natural disasters and atrocities, there is a growing consciousness of
putting importance to the environment, considering it as something that has life, which needs to
be cherished and nourished. Generally, any forms of destroying the environment are also
violations on the primacy of life. People are dependent on their environment. They draw and
fulfill their basic needs upon consumption of the different provisions of the environment. If these
are amassed, abused, and depleted, their chances of survival also decrease. Though God looks
at a person as special, He also values the bounty of earth as a manifestation of His glory and
love to His people. Any deliberate disregard to His Creation does not glorify and please Him at
all.
6. 6TH Commandment – YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY （Ex.20:14)
a. Family and Marriage
The sacrament of marriage brings together husband and wife into the bonds of
everlasting love, with a promise to stay together in sickness or in health, till death do them apart.
The importance placed upon marriage, especially on remaining faithful to one's partner is
revealed in one of Jesus' teachings during His public ministry. According to Jesus in the Gospel
of Matthew, ... have you not read that at the beginning the creator made them male and female
and declared, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and
the two shall become one? Thus they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, let no man
separate what God has joined. (Mt.19:4-6)
The emphasis on marriage traces back on the creation story when o created human
beings-man and woman. “So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has
joined together no man must separate” (Gn. 2:24). The CFC stresses that the couple should
realize in a general a hat man and woman are created for one another, to unite to become one
flesh in a communion of love that grounds their marriage and family life 802). This unification
between man and woman must weather all the odds to demonstrate their commitment with each
other. CFC states that, ...
thus by its very nature as an intimate community of life and love, and inspired and
sustained by the new commandment of love, the Christian family is placed at the service of the
building up of the Kingdom of God in history by participating in the life and mission of the
Church (808).
This commandment also portrays that the expression of love is not merely limited to
sexual intimacy, but more on companionship, shared vision to build a family founded on Catholic
faith, and respect to the dignity of the better half. However, in order for a relationship to work, it
is more of understanding each other, loving each other despite one's imperfections, and
weathering the hard times together. Healthy love is founded on mutual trust and contentment of
partners towards each other, with a commitment to love each other through thick and thin and a
commitment to fulfill their marriage vows.
b. Violations against the Sixth Commandment
Adultery applies only to married partners. It happens when one or both of the couples
have sexual relations with other partners. The sexual intimacy shared within the context of
marriage must be continually reserved as the expression of affection and the deepest union that
only belongs to married people. Both man and woman must grow in chastity towards each
other, enjoying sexuality within marriage.
Adultery, aside from its impact on the relationship between an individual and God, is also
an action that harms the society especially the family as the most fundamental unit. Those who
commit adultery have broken their commitments in the sacrament of marriage, injuring the
covenant of marriage bond. Moreover, they offend the dignity and rights of the other spouse,
and undermine the social institution. of marriage by breaking the contract on which it is based
(CCC, 2335) Moreover, there are other violations of this commandment, to include: divorce,
polygamy, free unions (cohabitation, concubinage), and sexual acts before or outside of
marriage.
Marriage is best described in Hebrews 13:4 --Let marriage be honored among all and
the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. The
commandment explicitly disallows sexual relations external to the bounds of marriage. Both
married couples must be loyal to each other, cherishing and valuing each other.
7. 7TH Commandment – THOU SHALL NOT STEAL Ex.20:15
a. Respecting one 's Property
The commandment recognizes sense of decency in one's material possession, being
content of what one has, and not coveting others' goods. This commandment is a reminder of
the Christian virtues of temperance, justice, and solidarity. The seventh commandment forbids
unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him in any way with
respect to his goods. It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruits
of men's labor. For the sake of the common good, it requires respect for the universal
destination of goods and respect for the right to private property. (CCC, 2401)
First, Christians must learn to discern that excessive attachment to material
possession instills the greedy and vicious attitude of continuously desiring for more even to the
point of stealing and fooling others. Jesus taught His people to put to moderation this
attachment. The attachment for worldly goods, though important, must only remain subordinate
to the spiritual and intimate relationship with God.
Secondly, Justice encourages Christians to accord respect and dignity to what rightfully
belongs to others. When others need to be properly compensated, they must be compensated
and any form of stealing from their compensation is not acceptable Justice encourages people
to recognize that others are working hard for what they have now. One should not violate the
decency of their hard work and property by unjustly stealing these away from them.
Lastly, the value of solidarity encourages everyone to accord to others what he/she
wants others do to him/her, thus being consistent with the golden rule. By willfully respecting the
property of others, one lives in solidarity with them expecting others to respect his/her property,
as well.
b. Violations against the Seventh Commandment
How does a student commit the sin of stealing? Cheating may come in various forms,
such as: cheating during exams, tampering with documents, work poorly done, asking additional
allowance for a requirement that is not really asked in school, and others.
The violations against this commandment include kidnapping and many forms of
exploitation such as exploitation in food, housing and clothing, which endangers personal
freedom. Violation against this Commandment also includes stealing from public properties,
social structures and conditions which should serve the common good (CFC 901-903). This is
where the attention and conscience of some of our present day government officials who
practice graft and corruption and perpetuate sinful social structures should be called for. The
CCC mentions in detail the different actions that amount to violation against the commandment.
In general terms, theft is considered as the taking or using of another's property against the
reasonable will of the owner. CCC enumerates various circumstances through which theft is
manifested in different contexts, such as paying unjust wages, speculation on the value of
goods in order to gain an advantage to the detriment of others, forgery of checks or invoices, tax
evasion, business fraud, willful damage of properties, usury, corruption, private abuse of
common goods, work deliberately done poorly (508).
Since the common good is very essential for the survival of all, CFC further stresses the
need for respect of the dignity and integrity of creation or mother earth (906).
8. 8TH Commandment – YOU SHALL NOT BEAT FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR
NEGIHBOR
a. Upholding the Truth
This commandment pertains to the moral imperative of according respect to others and
ensuring that one speaks highly of others -- the value of integrity and honesty towards others
and the decency of speaking the truth about others and not discrediting and dishonoring them
through rumor-mongering or baseless gossips. Based on the teachings of Jesus, disregarding
others and committing false testimony is by nature, a manifestation of the sinfulness of the heart
and renders it unclean.
The commandment prohibits altering the truth and discrediting the integrity and honor of
other people. These directly violate the moral responsibility of persons towards others.
Christians worship and honor God who is the truth and who wills the truth. Expectedly,
Christians must speak truthfully of others as a clear indication of their veneration and worship to
God. When Christians speak against others, eventually, against the truth, they commit
fundamental infidelity against God.
The CCC describes truth as uprightness in human action and speech and is the virtue
which consists of showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words, and in guarding against
duplicity, dissimulation and hypocrisy （ 2468). Speaking highly and truthfully of others reveals
that as Christians we accord others the respect and dignity that are rightfully due to them.
Speaking highly of others also shows that Christians are proactive and have a clear
conscience toward God and toward men. Respecting others, who are the image and likeness of
God, enables one to free himself/herself from any moral fault of unjustly accusing others and
destroying their name and credibility.
The CFC highlights the liberating power of truth (969). This is founded on the teachings
of Jesus when He said that ..if you live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples;
then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (Jn.8:12,32).Following and living the
truth personified by Jesus will really set one free and live a life pleasing to God.
b. Violations against the Eighth Commandment
When does violation of the commandment take place? According to the CCC, one is
guilty of detraction who discloses another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them
without objectively valid reason and one is guilty of calumny (a misrepresentation intended to
harm another's reputation) who harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false
judgments concerning them by remarks contrary to the truth (2477). These sins violate both the
commandment against false witness and the command to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Moreover, gossips and slander also are violations of the commandment. Gossips pertain
to spreading baseless accusations or statements against others. Slander also qualifies within
the range of gossip but it is with the intention of discrediting others towards their prejudice or
disadvantage. CCC further qualifies violations against the commandment, every word or attitude
is forbidden which by flattery, adulation, or complaisance encourages and confirms another in
malicious acts and perverse conduct. Adulation is a grave fault if it makes one an accomplice in
another 's vices or grave sins (2480). Neither the desire to be of service nor friendship justifies
duplicitous speech. Furthermore, boasting and bragging are viewed as offenses against truth.
So is irony aimed at disparaging someone by maliciously caricaturing (mocking) some aspect of
his behavior (2481).
Finally, an even more concrete example of speaking falsely against others is lying. One
lies when he/she speaks or acts against the truth in order to lead someone into error, thus the
presence of deceit. Lying weakens the fundamental relations towards God and towards others.
Failure to reveal the truth affects others' ability to know, which is a precursor for every judgment
and decision they need to make. When one lies to others, it tears apart trust relations and
discredits his/her sense of love towards others.
Students are susceptible to gossiping. This usually happens in their circle of friends
when they talk about someone they dislike or hate. When someone commits a mistake or does
not conform to what others are doing, they ostracize that individual, saying all unpleasing
remarks towards him/her. In some cases, when they envy others, they are more vulnerable to
bearing false witness against the others. Peer pressure will also force them to connive within
their peer in lying just to get away from the troubles their members are in.
9. 9TH Commandment – YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE
The Lord places much importance on controlling one's sexual desires or not allowing
sexual appetite take a complete hold of one's reason that will eventually cause him/her to
commit lust or carnal concupiscence. Jesus Christ, in His Public Ministry emphasized that our
thoughts and attitudes determine the commission of lustful behaviors. He implored Christians to
live not only to respect others in external manner, but also internally, through their minds and
intentions.
The CFC (868) states that Christ perfected this teaching in His Sermon on the Mount
when He said: You have heard the Commandment, 'You. shall not commit adultery!' What I say
to you is, anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his
thoughts/
heart (Mt. 5:29). Saint Paul also exhorted his converts saying, Put to death whatever in your
nature is rooted in earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desires, and that lust which is
idolatry (Col. 3:5). To the Ephesians, he wrote, make no mistake about this: no fornicator, no
unclean or lustful person-in effect an idolater has - any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and
of God (Eph. 5:5).
The commandment recognizes the battle of the flesh and the spirit, the conflict between
the desires of the flesh and spiritual sanctification. The commandment reminds Christians to
make a conscious effort to continue to struggle against the desires and the lust of the flesh, thus
not coveting one's neighbor's wife. Through God's intervention and grace, Christians overcome
these lusty desires through 1) the virtue of the gift of chastity which empowers love with an
undivided and upright heart,2) the purity of the intention which seeks to find and fulfill the will of
God in everything,3) the purity of vision which disciplines the feelings and imagination and
refuses complicity with impure thoughts, and 4) prayer which looks to God for help against
temptation and casts one's cares upon God.
The commandment calls upon Christians to embrace the virtue of modesty. modesty
guides Christians to look at others and to behave toward others in a complete accord to the
dignity of the human person--and li looking at others lustfully. According to CCC, there is
modesty of the feelings as well as of the body. It protests, for example, against the voyeuristic
explorations of the human body in certain advertisements, or against the solicitations of certain
media that go too far in the exhibition of intimate things. Modesty inspires a way of life which
makes it possible to resist the allurements of fashion and the pressures of prevailing ideologies
(2523).
Furthermore, CCC reiterates, The forms taken by modesty vary from one culture to
another. Everywhere, however, modesty exists as an intuition of the spiritual dignity proper to
everyone. It is born with the awakening consciousness of being a subject. Teaching modesty to
children and adolescents means awakening in them respect for the human person (2524).
a. Violations against the Ninth Commandment
In reality, the spiritual fabric to look at others with modesty is slowly disintegrating with
the onset of mass communication which continually exposes the society to liberality in relation
to purity, faithfulness, and modesty. The outright disregard to purity of one's sexuality needs to
be altered, thus requiring the changing of some norms in mass media. There must be a high
value to be placed in respecting others.
The entertainment industry has drastically changed the moral norms of people pertaining
to relationships. It seems natural to see celebrities switching partners, within a short period of
time: This has unconsciously changed the notion of marriage and healthy love, convincing
others that committing adultery is the fad, and following it seems normal already. The most
vulnerable to the negative notion of marriage and love are young people who are exposed much
to mass media. Perhaps for them, it is easy to enter and leave a relationship. Thus, the true
concept of love may be altered and given less value.
10. 10TH Commandment – YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S
GOODS（Ex.20:17).
The tenth commandment is an addition to the ninth commandment (on lustful desire of
the flesh) by forbidding the lust of the eyes or the excessive desire for material possession
This commandment prohibits greed and envy; thus all sorts of stealing are direct violations of
the commandment. The excessive desire to own material possession sometimes compels
others to steal or defraud others as an easy means to acquire material possessions.
The greedy and envious desires for material possession serve as a precursor to the
commission of other sins like violence and injustice which are forbidden by the tenth
commandment. Greed pertains to the desire for earthly possessions and goods without limit,
completely disregarding spirituality and growth most of the time. The tenth commandment
compels Christians to be contented with what they have. Sometimes, Christians feel jealous on
what others possess or achieve. But what happens next to jealousy is something Christians
must be wary of. If it grows into envy, the sadness over others' success and possessions and
the intemperate desire to acquire them become a prohibition of this commandment.
Covetousness is happening around. In fact, it becomes the root of all evil. When people
feel envious of others, they commit crimes in order to be like others or own what others own.
Stealing, murder and all sorts of evil take place because of the insatiable desire of human
beings for material wealth and possession. In modern times, violations against coveting others'
goods are clearly manifested in stealing money, illegal cutting of trees, vote-padding during
elections, using substandard materials in construction, paying laborers unjustly, and others.
God recognizes that men/women have to fulfill their physiological needs. The desire to
meet this must be within the bounds of acceptable norms. When the desire to gain material
wealth becomes one's primordial concern at the prejudice of his/her faith and relationship with
God-the context is changed, thus the commandment is violated. Modesty and contentment are
therefore necessary for all Christians. When they see others improving, they look at it as an
inspiration and not as a threat.
They do not compel themselves to achieve more to compete against others, but their
hard work is a manifestation of their worship to God, the source of everything. God, therefore,
reminds Christians to embrace modesty and contentment and recognize that He is the source of
everything and that He graciously provides for His people.
Missionary Response
The 10 commandments have been used as a framework for expounding all of our ethical
responsibilities. We have to live ethical responsibilities by:
1. Setting a time each day for prayer and or meditation to God. Develop a reading plan to read
the bible for a year.
2. “Saying no”: giving more importance to your studies over some “extra-curricular activities” of
your barkada or circle of friends.
3. Remembering the Sabbath. We set aside time to attend the Holy Mass.
4. Recognizing the authority of your parents
5. Appreciating the value of and worth of others.
6. Keeping your commitment o your studies.
7. Prioritizing a need over a want.
8. Speaking highly of others
9. Valuing a healthy relationship with others.
10. Desiring for the good of others.
EIGHT BEATITUDES
Matthew's narration of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount stated several blessings. It begins with
"Blessed are...". The "blessed are" connotes a present state of happiness. It implies "divine joy
and happiness" to the people. The people who possess these inward qualities are happy and
fortunate. These pronouncements of Jesus are not only happiness in a present state but also
promised a fulfillment of being blessed.
The content of the Church teachings like the Beatitudes is all about joy and gladness in
experiencing the reality of the Kingdom. The Beatitudes provides guidelines on Christian living.
Church Teaching
We are all called to holiness, Jesus through his teachings particularly his Sermon on the
Mount inspires us to walk on the way to holiness. Pope Francis' exhortation, On The Call to
Holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be glad) inspires us to live a holy life whatever our
role, "by living our lives with love and bearing witness”, and in the everyday turning to God.
“Holiness grows through small gestures; refusing to gossip, listening with patience and love,
saying a kind word to a poor person". These are ways to live our "blessedness". Our
"blessedness" is a way to holiness and we need moments of solitude and silence before God, to
face our true selves and let the Lord enter” (Gaudete et Exsultate, 1).
Our vocation seeks the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering
them according to the plan of God. We live in the world, that is, in each and in all of the secular
professions and occupations. We live in the ordinary circumstances of family and social life,
from which the very web of our existence is woven. We are called by God by exercising our
proper function and led by the spirit of the Gospel we may work, for the sanctification of the
world from within as a leaven. In this way we may make Christ known to others, especially by
the testimony of a life resplendent in faith, hope and charity. Therefore, since we are tightly
bound up in all types of temporal affairs it is our special task to order and to throw light upon
these affairs in such a way that we may come into being and then continually increase
according to Christ to the praise of the Creator and the Redeemer (cf LG 31).
The Eight Beatitudes
A. Understanding the Beatitudes
At the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, He spent most of His time teaching
God's people on how to develop and grow in their relationship with God and others through
parables, stories and exhortations. The methodology of Jesus in sharing the good news of
salvation was simple yet effective.
Jesus gave the Eight Beatitudes in His on the mountain side. Just like the Ten
Commandments, He unselfishly shared important values and attitudes that Christians must
boldly confess and reflect the goodness and greatness of God in their lives.
The Eight Beatitudes is recorded in the gospels of Luke and Matthew for the posterity of
the Christian faith. However, the major difference that sets apart the Eight Beatitudes from the
Ten Commandments is the manner of presentation. The Beatitudes, are positively constructed,
while the Commandments are full of do’s and not’s. an urgent call not to commit a violation
against the norms and the avoidance of evil acts in daily life. The Beatitudes is more positive in
perspective, since it encourages Christians to embrace the Christian values and virtues of
humility, charity, generosity, love, among others. Jesus showed the Beatitudes in a graceful
manner, emphasizing that when a Christian Chooses to live a life fully guided by Christian
virtues will eventually receive a reward. The Beatitudes is more motivational rather than
imposing fear against consequences. It is more empowering, rather than discouraging.
By nature, the Eight Beatitudes commends a Christian who possesses good values and
offers him/her the promise of eternity and salvation. It inculcates a great sense of hope for what
lies ahead: the promise of godly reward for every virtuous act. The reward is not limited to what
lies ahead in the Kingdom of Heaven, but some godly comfort and emancipation from the whips
and blows of the realities of life. Aside from salvation and eternity, the Beatitudes also provides
peace and comfort in the midst of the many challenges in life.
There are two reflections on the Eight Beatitudes that excellently describe it. First of
which is that of St. Gregory of Nyssa, a mystic who lived in Asia Minor in 380 AD. According to
him, "Beatitude is a possession of all things held to be good, from which nothing is absent that a
good desire may want." Moreover, St. Augustine of Hippo made a simple description of the
Beatitudes as "merely the ideal for every Christian life."
The Eight Beatitudes is therefore a Christian norm of conduct suited for every Christian
and all people. It indeed brings glory to God and brings people closer to a loving relationship
with Him and with one another.
1. The First Beatitude: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Some people think that this beatitude requires them to embrace poverty. However, this
beatitude focuses on the virtue of humility and dependence on God. It calls upon Christians to
recognize their limitedness, and fallibility, and importantly, know that God is sovereign and
supreme over them. By being poor in spirit, it means being able humble. God, with his unending
love and grace, blessed us with gifts and blessings. Christians do not boast that their actions,
decisions, and accomplishments are merely made possible by their strength and will alone.
This beatitude calls one to nurture his/her relationship with God to be dependent on Him
for His grace and love. Poor in spirit calls one to living a godly life, accepting one’s sinfulness,
repenting and allowing God’s grace enables Christians to recognize that all things were made
possible with the divine intervention of Christ. With humility, it brings inner peace for Christians,
empowering them to do the will of God. Obviously, pride runs contrary to the beatitude’ it brings
misery. When one’s pride has been suspended, one gets offended and animosities begin to
crop up, thus affecting his/her relationship towards others and eventually his/her relationship
with God.
How can one exemplify a poor in spirit? The Holy Scripture points out to specific actions
that exhibit humility. First, Christ encourages everyone to always think highly of others and to
recognize that others are also one's co-equals. When one thinks highly of himself/herself,
he/she tends to underestimate the brilliance and creativity of others. He/she thinks that others'
ideas do not matter and that his/her personal idea is far more brilliant. This is a boastful
manifestation of pride, thus harmful to one's relationship with others.
Second, each one forms part of the Body of Christ and plays an important absence of
one role in its functioning. Each has a unique role and the can potentially threaten the survival of
the Body of Christ. This reminds us Christians to be humble and recognize the indispensability
of others towards living the Christian life.
Third, Christ departs early in the morning or late in the evening, or secludes Himself to
spend time with God. Jesus Christ recognizes that God is supreme over His life and submits
that His motivation and energies to live His day are drawn from the love and grace of God, the
Father.
This beatitude promises inheritance of kingdom of heaven, the eternal salvation. It gives
Christians the right to experience God's Kingdom here on earth and ultimately join in the
communion of Christ with the Trinity.
2. The Second Beatitude: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Mourning refers to a contrite and repentant heart. Christians recognize their fallibility
and frailties that they are exposed to various vulnerabilities and temptations that can lead them
to sinning against God and others. Mourning refers to a great deal of regrets over one's sins,
for these strain his/her relationship with God, who is graciously good and merciful. Christians
mourn over their sins, which is a manifestation of an innate desire towards improvement, to do
what is right and pleasing before the eyes of God. This feeling of inadequacy traces itself from
the story of Adam and Eve, who were created in God's image and likeness, but disobeyed due
to pride, His order of not taking of the fruits of the Tree of Life.
In the process of mourning, it creates a vacuum in an individual which makes him/her
realize that he/she is completely nothing apart from God, that nothing can be made possible
without His Divine intervention.
Moreover, mourning includes the recognition of sorrow. When one is confronted with the
most difficult chapters of life such as death of a loved one, sickness and tragedy, he/she can
own his/her sorrow and mourn for it. Even Christ himself exhorted, that Christians who are
heavily laden, must cast their burdens to Him. When one mourns, he/she humbly accepts that
there are certain things that are beyond his/her control and that he/she can definitely do nothing
but mourn for his/her loss or condition.
This beatitude gives the consolation that when one mourns; Christ comes to the rescue
to provide comfort and relief. When Christians mourn over their is saving grace to bring
everyone closer to Him. When one mourns over the realities of life, Christ offers comfort.
The Lenten season is such a great opportunity for Christians to take time to mourn for
their human frailties and those of others. Through this season, one is reminded of the passion,
suffering and death of Christ in order to mend His people back to the loving relationship with
God. Mourning in this season, in view of true repentance, is a manifestation of the submission of
a Christian to the will and sovereignty of God. It is a remembrance that in his/her journey with
Christ, sin has alienated him/her away from God, but his/her true repentance and the grace of
God restores him/her back to God. Also, during the season, one mourns on the ongoing
injustices happening around. The countless lives who succumb to poverty, abuse and
oppression are enough to break our hearts and mourn for those who suffer. Through one’s
heartfelt mourning of the state of others, one joins in the solidarity of God with His people
intervening on their behalf to rescue and to bring comfort to their sufferings.
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.
Christ calls upon His people to embrace the virtue of humility and gentleness towards
others. Meekness means that one who kindness and consideration towards others. One
stretches his/her patience to others and considers their feelings, ensuring that his/her decision
and actions will not adversely affect them. Others construe meekness as a manifestation of
weakness or false living modesty. In Christian, grace of God, the meek acknowledge the
primacy of God over others. One considers himself/herself as nothing, compared to the
greatness of God. Recognizing the magnanimity of God, another context in which meekness
manifests itself is through the possession of self-control and prudence to handle a situation
without restraining and offending others even in extreme cases and lowest points of their lives.
Meekness, therefore, is a surest sign of strength, of one’s ability to control his/her thoughts and
emotions to keep his/her solidarity towards others and towards God.
Does this mean that a Christian, to fulfill this beatitude, must never get angry? Far from
it, this beatitude calls for genuine dealings towards others, leaves no room for any sort of
pretensions. As the Scriptures not hold grudge against others, even to the point of not allowing
the day end without settling differences. Meekness, in this instance, pertains to controlling one's
emotions in a dignified manner - trying to logically clear up the situation and value relationships
by finding resolutions rather than placing blame on others which eventually leads to the
destruction of relationships.
King David portrays a classic example of meekness. He was chosen by God to replace
King Saul whom God rejected because of his disobedience. Despite being granted favor of
kingship status amongst his people, he remained meek and never boasted about God's
selection of him. When he was chosen as a leader, he responded greatly by becoming a mighty
warrior and a great leader. when King Saul, his predecessor, died, he mourned deeply despite
the fact that. he was sought repeatedly to be killed by Saul. When his son, Jonathan, was
stricken with ailment, he did not think highly of his stature as a king, but he was meek to tear off
his clothes, mourned, wept and fasted to ask the intervention of God. He became King, but
never boasted before God. He was meek to recognize the sovereignty of God and sought help
from Him when times were tough and rough for him.
4. The Fourth Beatitude: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they will be satisfied.
As Christians, the faithful followers of Christ, they are expected to take on a journey to a
growing relationship with God, to progress towards religious and moral perfection. Their lives
must continually reflect the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, deepening their hope and faith
towards God and nurturing growing camaraderie towards others.
This beatitude clearly shows that God will not disappoint those who will deliberately act
on nurturing their relationship with Him. He promises that He will satisfy them and ensure that
their hunger for righteousness and holiness will indeed be met. Hunger and thirst for
righteousness run parallel to the teaching of Christ on seeking God first, and all the cares of this
world shall be properly provided for.
What does hunger and thirst for righteousness connote? A Christian is called to exert
conscious effort to be Christ-like in thoughts, words, and deeds. Being created after His image
and likeness and being saved from sin, he/she is expected to live his/her life in ways that
conform to the teachings of Christ. This beatitude also asserts that Christians meditate on the
Word of God and the teachings of the Church to enlighten them on how to live judiciously and
with fulfillment here on Earth. Living a morally upright is a manifestation of hunger fulfillment
here on ea for righteousness. Christians live up to what the Ten Commandments and Eight
Beatitudes require of them. They are compelled to perform their duties, not as a mere outward
religious gratification, but as an internal desire to honor and worship God.
There are a number of saints and faithful who committedly embraced righteousness over
the circumstances in their lives. They chose to live in Christ- like manner rather than to be
overcome by their fleshly desires. Saint Anthony worked tirelessly to speak out against errors
and injustices in his day He did so with love and passion, and taught one to stand for what is
right, so one could be “satisfied” in the light of truth and justice. Aloysius Gonzaga gave up all
rights of inheritance in order to follow Christ. Despite his nobility, he volunteered to work to
serve others. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta also took the extra mile as a manifestation of
her desire to serve God by addressing and alleviating the needs of her people. She spent time
with the outcast and the disadvantaged and showed them the love of God.
5. The Fifth Beatitude: Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.
Everyone is fully aware that the measure of kindness or even rudeness one accords
towards others is the same measure of kindness, or rudeness that will be accorded back to
oneself.
This beatitude reminds one of the Golden Commandment, "Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you. The act of faith, hope and charity one graciously gives unto others will
come back to oneself somehow.
This beatitude further asserts that, in certain circumstances, people will fall short of one's
expectations, disappointing him/her in manner he/she does not expect. Christ admonishes His
Church not to easily cast judgment on others, worst demean them as if to strip them the respect
they deserve. This beatitude recognizes the frailty of humans.
If, by nature, perfection is a far-fetched state one achieves on a day-to day-basis, Christ
challenges Christians to extend their patience, perseverance and kindness towards others, to
be merciful as Christ Himself is merciful. Being merciful pertains to being kind and good to
someone who has wronged. Moreover, mercy shows consciousness of the reality of others,
feels sympathy towards their needs and predicaments, and extends compassion as a response
to the need of others for understanding and assistance for whatever they may be going through
in life whether financial or emotional. To be merciful, then, means that Christians are moved by
their faith, and do not blame others on whatever situations they are in, but focus more on
helping them to rise from the mud they are stuck in.
To be merciful requires that one goes beyond what he/she sees on the surface. Most
often than not, one looks on others for what he/she might give to help them in their lives.
Rejection, loneliness, despair, discouragement, self-will, self-pity are all human realities. They
happen to everyone. Sometimes, these realities confront individuals and drag them to misery
instead of living life to the fullest. People who are merciful do not see the physical appearance
of others, but can clearly see through their eyes and even empathize with them in their
predicaments. People who are merciful assure others that they are understood and they are
there beside them as shoulders to cry on. Those who are merciful can reach to others in order
to realize that God is real and will always be there to help them. Those who are merciful show
compassion to those who seemingly deserve it. They are not expecting anything from others,
but believe that God, in some way, will reward them for the kindness and goodness that they
have graciously shown to others.
God is the ultimate role model of mercy. Despite His stature as God, almighty, allknowing, powerful and omnipotent, He chooses to bring Himself closer to everyone. He
graciously showed His mercy and reached out to everyone to partake in His love and salvation.
He showed the way in order that one may live in perpetuity with Him in Heaven, upon the
culmination of one's journey on Earth. When Jesus came to this world, He brought God's love in
the reality of man/woman. He wanted men and women to feel that the compassion of Christ is
real as He walked and lived His life on earth. He felt the humanity of people and shared in their
sufferings. His compassion was shown when He felt joy when His people triumphed. He wept
when His people suffered. The ultimate manifestation of His mercy and compassion was
revealed in His submission to the will of God to die on the cross. He never took His priestly
stature, but wholly submitted to the will of God to save His people and restore them to a loving
relationship with Him. Jesus' mercy is also manifested in His show of unconditional love and
compassion even to those who were already ostracized, discriminated and hated by people.
No one is infallible. One commits mistakes or will commit mistakes on a daily basis. In
this regard, one must follow the footprints of Christ by not throwing stones of judgment but
rather finding ways to reconcile and build relationships with others without any form of prejudice.
6. Sixth Beatitude: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The Beatitude calls upon Christians to make conscious effort to guard their hearts from
any sorts of impurities, grudges, hatred and ungodly matters. Why did God place much
importance on the heart of a person? Why is it necessary that Christians achieve purity of
hearts? The heart is considered as the innermost part of a person. It is the seat of one's thought
and emotions. Every thought and decision is incubated in the heart, actuated externally through
action.
King Solomon himself knew the importance of guarding one's heart against impurities. In
Proverbs 4:23, he said, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your
life." From our hearts, two possibilities might surface towards one's relationship with God and
others. The first one is a progressive approach. When the heart overflows with love, empathy,
compassion, it eventually spills itself through one's thoughts and actions towards others. When
one follows dearly the beatitudes, he/she tends to put primacy on God, honoring Him above ail
else. He/she extends compassion to others by being sensitive to their needs and making them
feel loved and understood. The second one is a destructive approach. When the heart is filled
with hatred, anger, frustration, and desperation, surely this will spill out in reality but instead of
building relationships, it will definitely tear the relationship down, straining every tie. When the
heart is full of rebellion, it will bring the destruction of an individual and his/her camaraderie
towards others. His/her bad intentions will always alienate him/her from others.
This Beatitude clearly reminds Christians to guard what enters into the heart and
consciously achieve its purity. What enters the heart and nurtured within will eventually come
out. A heart that is not receptive to the agape love of God will definitely miss the mark and
eventually fail to live up to the expectations God has upon the person.
This beatitude promises that those who earmark their hearts of those pure and
honorable things will receive the promise of seeing God. Though this might mean seeing God
personally when they depart from this world, it also connotes getting to truly know and
understand who God is and what He wants to accomplish through them. When Christians fill
their hearts with purity that comes from God, He will reveal Himself and make His presence
known in every part of their lives. They will be used as instruments to bring others closer to God.
Saint John Paul exemplified the life of purity through his Prayerful life. He intervened on
behalf of the people before Christ and showed a life reflective of Christian faith. He reminded
Christians not to be afraid to be called Christians, to belong to the Church, for purity, Pope John
Paul exhorted that one must not tear the truth, for the truth is the guarantee for liberty.
Moreover, Saint Teresa of Calcutta spent most of her time with the sick, the desolate and dying.
She lived a life of purity and accepted poverty to share with the sufferings of her people. The
purity of her heart made her an effective disciple of Christ in spreading the loving message of
the Gospel. The purity of her spirit is indeed worth emulating for her people.
7. The Seventh Beatitude: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children
of God.
Despite the unique differences among individuals, harmony and reconciliation seek to
nurture and deepen relationships between persons. Though discord and trouble seem inevitable
in every human circumstance, God honors those who exert efforts to bring people together to
cooperate and collaborate. Peacemakers are those who seek to bring reconciliation between
those who are in conflict with each other. Peacemakers strive to bridge gaps and heal breaches
between conflicting parties. Moreover, peacemakers are not only persons who avoid conflicts
but also those who seek justice even at the risk of conflict.
Peace comes from the Hebrew word, shalom. This word is rich in meaning, and in fact, a
common word of greetings for the Jews. Shalom means the absence of strife and evil and the
presence of all good things. In Hebrew culture, when they greet each other Shalom, it means, I
wish for you not only the absence of all that may harm, but also the presence of everything that
makes for a person's good. Moreover, in modern applications, peace has to do with the state of
harmony, tranquility and unity as it exists between two parties.
Everyone is called to bring others to a peaceful relationship with God. One's faith must
be a living testimony for others to believe with Him. A peacemaker works to establish
harmonious relationships among people. As a Christian, he/she values human relationships,
setting differences and conflicts. A relationship should be built even if the odds seem difficult to
handle. A peacemaker chooses to show love, sympathy to and extend understanding even if
others have faltered against him/her severely.
Usually, peacemaking is extended by parents when they choose bridge gap within the
family in order to make the relationship healthy and functional. They iron out differences since
they value more their ties as a family. Achieving the vision and mission of a group seems futile if
all members are not in sync with each other - going their own ways. This is only a waste of time
and resources. However, when they work together, they can achieve the immense success of
their organization.
Mahondas Karamchand Gandhi had a different vision of the world. He sought to replace
violence with love, not just through actions but in mind and hearts as well. He imagined nonviolent action with the goal of not beating opponents, but of winning them over. He viewed that
non-violence, as a means to seek peace, is an intensely active force when properly understood
and used.
By his words, actions and examples, Mahatma Gandhi left the world a new teaching: to
oppose injustice with the force of unrelenting truth and a nonviolent spirit, overcoming hate with
love, while being willing to sacrifice oneself for his/her cause. He demonstrated at an entirely
new level the power and possibility of individual and mass non-violent resistance, a legacy that
people all over the world continue to explore.
8. The Eighth Beatitude: Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To live life in accordance to Jesus' life and teachings is the challenge for Christians. To
stand up for the truth and live a morally upright life set apart Christians from the rest of the
world. As moral beings granted with the will to choose, they respond to their freedom by
conducting themselves in honorable ways, which makes them different from others and best
fitting to be called children of God.
This Beatitude encourages Christians to persevere and stick to their faith use it to enable
them to make moral judgments in conformity with the norms of Christian morality. They remain
true and faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the church, even if others are not, and
even if others ridicule them for choosing to act in a Christ-like manner. This beatitude shows that
as Christians who truly submit themselves to Christ, their attitudes and character are molded
after the image and likeness of Christ.
Christians who remain true to the faith and stand against the world to live a morally
upright life are guaranteed to experience persecution in the form of opposition, hatred,
abandonment, and rejection. Since they do not fit into what others are doing, they will be
scorned and cut off from the rest. But, God comes with His comfort that those who stand up for
their faith, in the name of righteousness, shall be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven.
The Scriptures exhort that Christians remain strong amidst adversaries and challenges, for
Christ promises that when they endure the test of fire hurled against them, a promise of eternity
with Him is greatly assured. Moreover, in the midst of these trials, God also offers consolation
that He will give everyone protection and help in times of need and will send forth His Holy Spirit
to be one's comforter and assist him/her to get through the rough times in his/her life.
The core meaning of this beatitude encourages Christians that when the odds get tough,
they must remain true to their faith, through the grace of God. Assuredly, God will come to their
rescue and importantly, reserve them a rightful place in heaven.
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the first Filipino saint. He is also the first Filipino martyred for the
Christian faith. Upon landing in Japan where Christians were being persecuted, he was arrested
and imprisoned together with his companions. He underwent inhumane tortures but valiantly
confessed his Christian Faith. Refusing to renounce his Faith, he told his executioner that he
was ready to die for God and give Himself for many thousands of lives if he had them.
Saint Oscar Romero was bishop of the Catholic Church in El Salvador. He became the
fourth Archbishop of El Salvador. He exhorted that even if Christians are persecuted, they
persevere to remain in the Christian faith. This reflects the authenticity of their Christian faith. To
encapsulate his strong attachment to persecution and the Christian faith, he said, I have
frequently been threatened with death. I ought to say that as a Christian, I do not believe in
death without resurrection. If they kill me I will rise again in the people of El Salvador. I am
bound, as a pastor, to give my life for those whom I love, and that is all Salvadorans, even those
who are going to kill me. If they manage to carry out their threats, from this moment I offer my
blood Tor the redemption and resurrection of El Salvador. Martyrdom is a grace from God, which
I do not believe I deserve. But if God accepts the sacrifice of my life, then may my blood be the
seed of liberty, and a sign that hope will soon become a reality.
Missionary Response
We learned in lesson 3 that as Christians we can always emulate these examples on how to
embrace righteousness and be able to possess traits worthy of emulation by the people around
us. We are now called to live the following:
1. Putting God as our top priority and committing to serve others. It sets asides our personal
motives and depends on God's sovereignty to govern our lives and on our commitment to serve
others (Poor in spirit). We place God as our priority through devotions, prayers, attending
church.
2. Recognizing Christ's salvation, that is, dependence to God despite mourning. As Christ died
at the Cross of Calvary, Christians do not live life of condemnation, forever condemning
themselves of their human frailty and vulnerabilities to commit sin. Rather, they continuously
recognize that Christ had been their salvation and He became the rightful sacrifice, so we can
come boldly to Him and establish relationship.
3. Developing a virtue or meekness. True meekness is manifested through service to others.
We are humble in our accomplishment, knowing that it is a mere fraction of what greatness and
wealth really is.
4. Taking a stand against what God detests such as oppression and suffering, this is a Hunger
and Thirst for Righteousness. Loving what God loves and taking a stand against what He hates.
5. Offering our forgiveness to those who hurt us, recognizing that sowing seeds of hatred and
harboring ill-feelings cause more emotional burden. We have to be merciful.
6. Purifying our intention in everything we do and say, a Pure in Heart. Our intention to serve
others is not out of lip service or our desire to be appreciated by other. We serve because it is
generously flowing from the abundance of our heart.
7. Cultivating the value of being Peacemaker. Peacemaker entails we are in peaceful
relationship with God and others. We show love and sympathy and compassion to others as our
extension of our love and faith in Christ. 8. Defending and protecting our faith in a loving God
against those who malign our Christian faith and discredit it. That is a way of righteousness
despite persecution.
THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
A. Seven Themes of the Catholic Social Teachings: Finding Relevance to Modern
Reality (cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church)
1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person.
The Commandments clearly articulate the prohibition of killing and all sorts of
disrespect and disregard to the dignity and worth of human life. The commandment against
killing reflects the strong sense of worth God places on human life. He places much dignity
to the human person which is also the fundamental framework for modern society governed
with morality. This dignity also calls for mutual respect for other people, as enunciated by
Jesus Himself that Christians must accord to others what they want others to accord them in
return. The dignity calls for respecting the sense of property of others, by not stealing in any
form. This dignity further calls Christians not to be envious of others nor covet others'
partners.
2. Call to Family, Community and Participation.
The Church places importance on maintaining the bonds of the family. God
established this in His fourth commandment of honoring parents. God recognizes the
importance and roles of parents in the formation of the morality of every individual.
Christians are expected to accord all necessary honor and respect that rightfully belongs to
parents. Moreover, the Church recognizes the importance of strengthening the bonds within
a community of faith and the Christians' taking part in every endeavor that will deepen the
belief in Jesus Christ. This sense of community is further reflected in the different
commandments of God pertaining to our responsibility towards others. When Christians
faithfully follow these commandments, they are indeed in communion with their immediate
community.
3. Rights and Responsibilities.
The church recognizes the sanctity and sacredness of life affirms that each individual
has natural rights which others must faithfully respond positively to. Moreover, the moral
obligations of Christians are geared towards achieving communion with Jesus Christ and the
community. When the dignity of every individual is properly observed, his/her rights as an
individual are indeed apparent. The provision of these rights would bring with it duties and
responsibilities -- to others, families and the larger society.
4. Option for the Poor and the Vulnerable.
The Commandments primarily create a community where people respect the innate
beauty of humanity. It aims to establish a society where fairness and justice are apparent and
shared by every member of the society. It protects the poor and vulnerable against the
whimsical actions of the strong to prejudice and harass their individualities. The commandments
provide access for a sense of propriety of others property and belongingness and refrain from
every envious action that can negatively affect the poor and the vulnerable.
5. Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers.
The commandment of not coveting others' goods clearly shows that people must learn
the value of hard work, to make a living for themselves. When one works productively it reflects
his/her continuing participation in God's creation, thus a clear indication of recognition of the
Sovereignty of God. This theme also reminds everyone that one must live within his/her means.
This reduces the pressures of being envious of others' prosperity, thus refraining from any sorts
of coveting other's belongings. Moreover, this theme affirms the moral responsibility of every
individual to respect the worth and dignity of others.
6. Solidarity.
When every individual responds positively to his/her moral responsibility towards others,
there is no doubt that he/she contributes to the attainment of a harmonious society where
justice, love and solidarity are mutually shared. Responding to these moral responsibilities
shows that everyone belongs to one human family, that everyone is a keeper of one's brother or
sister. It portrays one's filial love towards others to ensure that the society is free from violence
and conflict. This solidarity, which for some is free from seems nirvana, is a great reminder that
one's moral responsibility for others is beneficial in the pursuit of social justice and peace.
7. Care for God's Creation.
The abundance and bounty of nature are sufficient enough to prove the magnificence
and greatness of God. It reflects the immense sovereignty of God to successfully create a world
which is very intricate in systems and processes. When humanity shows their care and
protection to God's creation, it shows how people positively respond to their mission as
stewards of creation. The care for the environment is also an act of worship to the sovereignty
of God; thus, a great way to respond to one's responsibility towards God (cf. LS 10-11).
Missionary Response
In lesson 4, we learned the Seven Themes of the Catholic Social Teachings that will help us
realize the most important things we must possess as Christians. We have to live a dignified life
by:
1. Valuing life as this is the only life we have. As we go through life's difficulty, we develop
resilience to face every obstacle and depend on Christ to see us through in our trials and
difficulties.
2. Exerting effort to maintain the integrity and closeness of the family and to serve for the
betterment of the community.
3. Knowing our rights and be accountable in every action we do.
4. Serving the poor and vulnerable.
5. Cherishing work and learning to be at our best in everything we do.
6. Extending oneself to serve others and consciously unite with others to implement cause for
the betterment of the community.
7. Appreciating God's creation, knowing its finiteness. Conscious efforts must be done to care
and preserve it.
GOODLUCKKK SA EXAMSS, KAYANG KAYA MO YAN!!:))