Fifth Commandment

Because most of us don't go around killing people, it would be easy to give little or no thought to the Fifth Commandment. However, I propose we all make life-and-death decisions more frequently than we realize. 

For example, decisions about investing in companies that produce abortion equipment or that provide services or supplies to an abortion clinic is participating in killing unborn babies. How about being hired to fix a leak in the roof of an abortion clinic? What about texting while driving and voting for candidates who support abortion and assisted suicide.? These are just a few common examples of how the Fifth Commandment applies to all of us. 

Therefore, when we engage in business and decide how we vote, we are obliged to have a clear understanding of the practices and purpose of the business and we need to know what the issues are and where the candidates stand on the sanctity of life. 

Also, physical killing is not the only type of killing addressed in the Fifth Commandment. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus warns that, even without participating in physical killing, anger in our hearts are the root of killing and anger can be extended to feelings of jealousy and greed. 

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,‘You shall not kill’; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

Therefore, we are liable of killing with our tongue when we say things in anger. The words said in anger by a parent to the tender heart of a son, daughter or spouse can kill their ideas, hopes, dreams and self-esteem. Out of jealousy and greed our words can kill someone’s reputation, their career or even their marriage. All of which are protected by the Fifth Commandment.

Think of the joy and excitement of a young couple having a baby. Conversely, recall the heartache and pain when someone close to you dies. The joy and sorrow experienced at the beginning and end of life makes it exceedingly obvious that life is precious. And, because life is a gift from our Creator, life is even more than precious. It is sacred. Jesus’ life and death on the cross to save our lives demonstrates that our lives are the very purpose of His coming to live among us. 

 Opposed to Jesus’ mission of salvation is Satan’s mission of death and destruction of our lives and our souls. The Fifth Commandment protects sacred human lives and it stands to protect the soul of those who participate in Satan’s mission of destruction.

Click here to review the Ten Commandments in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).

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