415. What is the moral law?The moral law is a work of divine Wisdom. It prescribes the ways and the rules of conduct that lead to the promised beatitude and it forbids the ways that turn away from God.
Further reading: CCC 1950-1953, 1975-1979416. In what does the natural moral law consist?The natural law which is inscribed by the Creator on the heart of every person consists in a participation in the wisdom and the goodness of God. It expresses that original moral sense which enables one to discern by reason the good and the bad. It is universal and immutable and determines the basis of the duties and fundamental rights of the person as well as those of the human community and civil law.
Further reading: CCC 1954-1960, 1978-1979417. Is such a law perceived by everyone?Because of sin the natural law is not always perceived nor is it recognized by everyone with equal clarity and immediacy.
For this reason God "wrote the tables of the Law what men did not read in their hearts." (Saint Augustine)
Further reading: CCC 1960