The Fifth Commandment - Part 3

The Fifth Commandment – Part 3

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         In part 3, I would like to share some thoughts on an ancient and modern form of immorality called war.  War is a scourge sent by God upon humankind to punish us for sins committed.  Today, we see a bitter conflict in the world between Russia and Ukraine.  In this war I am not taking any sides.  I just want the killing to stop.

         In ancient times war was restricted to only battlefields.  Now, entire cities are destroyed.  Let us realize one major thing.  The soldier is a person also.  The soldier hates war.  He must fight it, possibly get injured, or suffer the ultimate consequence, which is death.

         It is unfortunate that the common man’s fate must be held in the hands of a few elite politicians who wish to inflict their will on the rest of us.  They use wars and proxy wars to weaken an adversary’s armed forces to protect their own vital interests and money laundering schemes.  Who does this hurt?  I include the soldiers who fight this war, the civilians who are injured and who have lost their homes and livelihoods, the war dead, and the taxpayers who fund war.  These are crimes against God and human nature.

         Just to set the record straight, I do believe in a strong national defense.  Defending this nation is a moral obligation of everyone.  This is meant deter war and stop aggression from other countries seeking world dominance.

However, human kind should develop other means to stop war and aggression.  Economic means such as tariffs and boycotts of goods from aggressor nations come to mind.  These economic means should not harm the common man, but it should teach the leaders of opposing nations that we are not to be bullied.

         Let us not forget the nuclear weapon cloud that hangs over all of us.  General Mac Arthur warned that if we do not control ourselves, Armageddon would be at our doorstep.  Dear God forbid that these weapons will ever be used.  It would be the end of humankind, as we know it.  Let us all pray that Satan and his evil minions will not darken the souls of our world leaders.  Let us continue to pray for peace and ask God to restore peace to our world and humble all leaders who wish to destroy others and that Holy Peace that comes from God.  Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with our homes, families, our workplaces, schools and ourselves.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise.