21. First to the Third  Commandments

Our Questions

I know it is in the Bible, but these first three commandments dealing with God seem to put Him so far away and it is so easy to offend against what he wants!

What to Read

In US CATHOLIC CATECHISM FOR ADULTS Chapter 25, 26, 27

In the Bible

Ps 77

Deut 5:6; 6:5

Glossary

Blasphemy = a wrong use of God’s name, a disrespectful approach to god, a disdain for God and a rejection of this love.

Cursing = calling down some evil on a person, place or thing.

Evangelical counsels = voluntarily living a life-style of poverty, chastity and obedience in order to remove whatever is incompatible with living of a life of total charity. They are to be contrasted with the precepts which are not voluntary.

Oath = calling on God to witness to the truth of what we say.

Perjury = make a promise under oath with no intention to keep it. (2152)

Pride = the inordinate seeking of one’s own excellence.  It is one of the capital sins.

Vow = a deliberate promise made to God by which a person binds himself under pain of sin to do something that is especially pleasing to God.

Holy Days of Obligation = special days on which Catholics are obliged to attend Mass.  They are:

    Solemnity of Mary  (Jan 1)

    Assumption (Aug. 15)

    All Saints Day (Nov. 1)

    Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8)

    Christmas (Dec. 25)

Sabbath = the biblical 7th day on which the Chosen People were obliged to rest from their labors and to praise God for his work of creation.

Servile work = that which requires labor of body rather than of the mind.

Checking My Understanding

Go to the Parish website and  do the self-correcting  on-line quizzes <25> <26> <27>

Catholic Practices

Many Catholics when they hear or say the name of Jesus, bow their heads in reverence.

Have you considered a name to be taken at your baptism or confirmation?  Read ¶2156 in the Catechism on the ancient practice of taking a special name when you receive the sacrament.

Getting Personal

1. What link can I see between the first commandment and the beginning of the Apostles' Creed? What are five signs in my life that affirm my faith in God? How does my idea of God differ from when I was a child?

2. What kind of a case for God's existence would I make to an atheist, agnostic, or secularist? It has been said, "Win an argument and lose a soul.  How would that affect my witnessing of my faith?

3. What stories can I share about people I know who have come to faith in God? Why must I connect a life of love and justice with my faith in God? What are some false gods people worship today?

Going Deeper

Video -

Doubt (2008) A dislike of the nun-principal of the priest leads to his leaving, and her life engulfed in doubt.

Music –

A Mighty Fortress

How Great Thou Art

Additional Reading–

In the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (optional) # 2083-2195