DRE, Ibadan Archdiocese

Faith series 144

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

WHAT ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?

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

 

Parents have a profound duty to respect their children not only as their own offspring but also as unique persons endowed with dignity who are above all else, God’s children. Parents have the prime and inalienable right to educate their children, especially in the faith, proclaiming to them the gospel, teaching them to pray and pointing out the way God is present in their lives. Parents must also create a welcoming home, a haven where their children can experience warmth, love, respect, forgiveness and a spirit of unselfish service.

Parents educate their children in the Christian life of virtue through their own good example, teaching them to follow Christ Jesus and encouraging them to listen to the Lord who may be calling them to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Parents have a basic right to choose a school for their children that reflects their own values. Parents of adult children must respect the right of their children to choose a vocation, profession and spouse. Their role is that of advisor whose love and affection are unconditional, reflecting the love of almighty God for his children.

Q4. What does the fourth commandment require of the Civic life?

The fourth commandment serves to remind those in authority that they must serve others. They should follow natural law, administer distributive justice wisely, and work for civic peace and harmony. They do this by respecting individual rights and encouraging people to work for the common good. Citizens, on the other hand, should view public authorities as God’s representatives.

According to their abilities and talents, citizens must contribute to the common good, working in a spirit of truth, justice, peace, freedom and solidarity. Furthermore, citizens have the duty to pay taxes, to vote and to come to the defense of their country. However, citizens also have the God-given responsibility not to obey laws issued by public authorities that contradict divine law. Armed resistance against unjust and oppressive government is only permissible when very strict standards are met (CCC 2243).