To free ourselves from the slavery of possessions, we must follow the 7th and 10th commandments and empty our hearts of attachments to worldly possessions. Let us be sparing with ourselves and avoid unnecessary expenditure on luxuries, leaving everything in the hands of God.
Tag: Ten Commandments
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (219): What do I need to keep my heart pure?
Keeping our hearts pure is an ongoing struggle that requires discipline, self-control, and constant reliance on the grace of God. We can achieve purity of heart through prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and by cultivating modesty in our interactions with others.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (218): How does the eighth commandment apply to media and to art?
In our digital age, social media should serve the common good by providing true and honest information. The search for beauty is also a moral duty, as it is intertwined with truth and goodness. The eighth commandment not only requires that we live by truth, but also with charity. Why? Because charity is the greatest of the commandments.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (217): Must we always tell the truth?
The duty to tell the truth must be “accompanied by the discretion of charity.” Charity sometimes requires that we do not reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to it. Sins against this commandment include sins against charity, such as false witness, perjury, and lying, as well as rash judgment, slander, defamation, and calumny.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (214): What should be our attitude towards material creation?
The seventh commandment, which defends the right to private property, requires us to respect the goods of others, practice justice and charity, and be prudent and moderate in the use of resources. It also involves respecting promises, making reparations, and avoiding theft and other forms of wrongdoing. Additionally, we must treat animals with kindness and avoid excessive love or misuse of them. As the Catechism reminds us, private property exists to serve the needs of human beings, and wasting resources is akin to stealing from the poor and hungry.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (210): Can war be justified in some cases?
The Catholic Church teaches that “Peace in this world, which is required for the respect and development of human life, is not simply the absence of war or a balance of power between adversaries. It is ‘the tranquility of order’ (Saint Augustine), ‘the work of justice’ (Isaiah 32:17) and the effect of charity. Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ” (CCCC 481).
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (209): How do we give respect to embryos, the sick and the dying?
The Catholic Church recognizes the sacredness of human life and provides guidance on how to treat embryos, the sick, and the dying with respect and dignity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines the obligation to protect human life, and addresses the morality of medical experiments and organ donation, as well as guidelines for end-of-life care. Let us explore this important moral and ethical issue through the teachings of the Catholic Church.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (208): What are our duties towards human life?
Catholic teaching states that human life must be respected because it is sacred. It is not lawful for anyone to destroy an innocent human being. However, there are times when our duty is to defend life, especially our own. We can legitimately defend ourselves while choosing not to kill.
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (207): After our duties to God, what are we commanded next?
It is worth remembering that the fourth commandment is not the first of the commandments. “Family ties are important but not absolute, because the first vocation of a Christian is to follow Jesus and love him…” (CCCC 462).
BITE-SIZE THEOLOGY (206): How do we honor the Lord’s name and observe the Lord’s Day?
How should we keep Sunday holy? “Christians keep Sunday and other days of obligation holy by participating in the Eucharist of the Lord and by refraining from those activities which impede the worship of God and disturb the joy proper to the day of the Lord or the necessary relaxation of mind and body….” (CCCC 453).