DRE, Ibadan Archdiocese

Faith series, Episode 140

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

WHAT ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?

[CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PART THREE, LIFE IN CHRIST] – PART V

 

Swearing to God under oath is a grave matter because God’s name is so sacred that we should never take it in vain. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls his disciples to a higher norm of morality, instructing us not to swear, always to say ‘YES’ when we mean yes and ‘NO’ when we mean no – Matt 5:33-34.

However, Catholic tradition following St Paul’s lead (cf 2Cor. 1:23 and Gal 1:20), has not interpreted Jesus’ teaching on oath-taking as an absolute prohibition of oaths, for serious and morally correct reasons (for example, in a legal trial) one may take an oath as long as it serves the cause of justice. Christians should not take immoral oaths required by illegitimate governments or legal entities that undermine human dignity or are contrary to Christian unity. A famous example of a saint who refused to take an oath was St Thomas More. Had he taken an oath required by King Henry VIII of England, he would ultimately have been renouncing the Pope’s authority over the Church, thus impugning his authority as Christ’s vicar. Finally, Thomas More was convicted of treason and decapitated for his refusal to affirm Henry’s Act of Supremacy. His martyrdom was a supreme witness to the truth, displaying a profound respect and love for Christ and his Church.

Q8. What does the third commandment require?

The third commandment teaches:-“Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh your God”. – Ex 20:8-9.

This commandment brings to mind the story of creation when God rested after six days. The Sabbath also memorializes God’s freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God gave the Sabbath day to the Chosen People as a sign of the irrevocable covenant he made with them. This day was set aside for the people to praise God and God’s works of creation and his saving acts for Israel.

God’s dealing with Israel serves as a model for all humanity. The Sabbath is a day of rest and a respite from grinding work and the adoration of money. The Sabbath is a day for humans to turn to God in worship, thanksgiving and renewal, a day to remember our dependence on God. Jesus respected the Sabbath law, but he also highlights its true meaning: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for Sabbath”. – Mark 2:27.