The Fifth Commandment - Part 4

The Fifth Commandment – Part 4

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         In parts 1, 2, and 3, I proceeded to layout three modern sins against the fifth commandment.  I did not discuss individual murder or suicide that are also grave offenses to the will of God.  Just remember one major subject not mentioned.  All those sins can be forgiven by sacramental absolution.  In fact, suicide may not even be considered a sin depending on the state of mind of the human individual.  Therefore, continue to pray for people caught in the web of these actions.

         The reason for this commandment became when Cain killed Abel.  Mosaic Law forbids murder, but it still allowed an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth along with hatred of your neighbor.  This was the basic concept formed in the minds of God’s chosen people, the Hebrews.

         Then, Jesus arrived in flesh.  He taught us to love our neighbor and not hate anyone.  He taught us to forgive our brothers and sisters no matter how many times we are wronged.  He taught us to be like Himself.  How many times do we commit the same sin over and over?  Does He forgive us every time we ask for his forgiveness?  Of course, He does.  He went as far as to say that if you called someone a fool, you would be subject to judgment.  How many of us have said that and in far worse language at others in our time?  We will all be subject to the judgment if we do not amend our ways and forgive one another.

         One of the practices that I put in my own life is that before I receive Holy Communion either spiritually or physically is to ask God for pardon from whom I have wronged and tell God that I pardon those who have wronged me.  This is after I say the perfect act of contrition.  The next time that I see the person, who wronged me, I usually tell them that they are forgiven.  Acts like these are the way to Eternal Life without spending a lot of time in purgatory.  You are not holding any grudges.  Also when one cannot sleep, one should always pray for the poor souls in purgatory.  Once they are released, they will help you because they have a bond of love with you.  It may sound like the “you scratch my back; I will scratch your back” routine even if it isn’t.  Please realize that we need each other’s assistance always.

         One subject not mentioned in all my articles is Capital Punishment.  I do not believe that any human being should be murdered by the state.  This is in keeping with my stance on abortion, euthanasia, war, murder and the like.  The convicted person should be incarcerated until he can prove his innocence or for the balance of his life.  The convict must work to pay off his debt to society and the families of their victims.  Incarceration will eliminate the innocent man being put to death.

         Let Love conquer all.

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