A Journey Through the Catechism (The Seventh through Tenth Commandments)
We conclude our Pastor Column series through the Baltimore Catechism for the spring, and we consider to the thirtieth article “From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment.”
Q: What is the Seventh Commandment?
A: The Seventh Commandment is: “You shall not steal.”
Q: What are we commanded by the Seventh Commandment?
A: By the Seventh Commandment, we are commanded to give to all people what belongs to them and to respect their property.
Q: What is forbidden by the Seventh Commandment?
A: The Seventh Commandment forbids all unjust taking or keeping of that which belongs to another.
Q: Are we bound to restore all ill-gotten goods?
A: We are bound to restore ill-gotten goods, or the value of them, as far as we are able; otherwise, we will not be forgiven.
Q: Are we obliged to repair the damage that we have unjustly cause?
A: We are bound to repair the damage that we have unjustly caused.
Q: What is the Eighth Commandment?
A: The Eight Commandment is: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Q: What are we commanded by the Eighth Commandment?
A: We are commanded by the Eighth Commandment to speak the truth in all things, and to be careful of the honor and reputation of everyone.
Q: What is forbiidd3en by the Eighth Commandment?
A: The Eighth Commandment forbids all rash judgments, backbiting, slanders, and lies. (N.B. To this list, we can assuredly add any sins of speech: gossip, calumny, libel, and so forth.)
Q: What is the Ninth Commandment?
A: The Ninth Commandment is: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.” (N.B. “spouse” more broadly)
Q: What are commanded by the Ninth Commandment?
A: We are commanded by the Ninth Commandment to keep ourselves pure in thought and desire.
Q: What is forbidden by the Ninth Commandment?
A: The Ninth Commandment forbids unchaste thoughts, desires for another’s spouse, and all other unlawful impure thoughts and desires.
Q: What is the Tenth Commandment?
A: The Tenth Commandment is: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.”
Q: What are we commanded by the Tenth Commandment?
A: By the Tenth Commandment, we are commanded to be content with what we have and to rejoice in our neighbor’s welfare.
Q: What is forbidden by the Tenth Commandment?
A: The Tenth Commandment forbids all desires to take or keep wrongfully what belongs to another. (N.B. The Tenth Commandment regulates temptations toward the Deadly Sin of Envy.)
~ Fr. Lewis