This past
weekend, in the first reading from Exodus, we got the list of the Ten
Commandments, as some like to call them the BIG Ten. The Ten Commandments were the ten basic rules
given to us by God, basically telling us what we “shall not” do, with the
exception of numbers four and five.
In today’s
world we tend to complicate rules. Rules
are put into place to protect/guide us as a society and help us create a civil
life for everyone. Rules help keep us
safe, such as following street signs and traffic signals. Rules are meant to guide us in our work
places to help us complete the tasks at hand.
Rules, contrary to some popular belief, are often for the good.
Throughout
this Lenten season, I challenge you to look over the Ten Commandments, and use
them as you follow the rules of your daily life. For example:
Commandment One- I am the Lord thy
God, thou shall not have any gods before me.
What are
the things that you put in your life before God? How often do you have a conversation with
Him? Spend some time, each day, praying,
inviting Him into your day.
Commandment
Two- You shall not make for yourself and idol in the form of anything.
Many who
take this literally, are quick to check this off the list. For how often do you take the time to make a
statue or idol, like they did in the Old Testament? However, what are the things that you idolize
and put before God? Is it a chore, a
calendar event, or any task that keeps you for focusing on God? Take time to remove whatever it is that takes
away from your focus on God. If you
haven’t given it up for Lent, it is not too late to try.
Commandment
Three- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Again, for
those that might be taking this one literally, you might not ever say the
Lord’s name inappropriately. Do you
understand that what you think or what is in your heart, is known by God? It is almost impossible to not think negative
things, but when you do, take note of it and share with God a short prayer
asking for His forgiveness and understanding, so that you can change your
thinking and change your heart.
Commandment
Four- Remember to keep holy the Sabbath
It is so
simple to attend the Saturday night vigil Mass or a Mass on Sunday
morning. Once you do that, it is pretty
easy to say, “check.” But keep in mind
the last words said by the Deacon or Priest.
“Go forth proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord.” When you leave Mass, are you relieved that
you are done? Do you maybe get a little
frustrated or angry trying to get out of the parking lot? Were you a little perturbed with the crying
baby at Mass, and that is all you talk about?
If so, maybe you should stay and attend the next Mass. When we leave Mass, we have just received the
Good News. Share it!! Talk with your spouse or children about what
you heard. Get them involved in a
conversation. Take this time to
evangelize, sharing the Good News.
Commandment
Five- Honor your father and mother
As a
parent, this is my favorite commandment.
If I take this literal, then I am set and ready to go. However, while I expect my children to honor
their mother and me, am I honoring my parents with my actions? In dealing with children, you might hear me
say something like, “Would you say that those same words in front of your
parents, or grandparents?” If the answer
is no, then it should never be said.
This goes for me as an adult as well.
Are my actions honoring my father and mother? Keep that in mind next time we say or do
something, and see if that does not possibly change your thoughts.
Commandment
Six- You shall not murder
Yet, we
have another easy item to check off the list.
But, is there a person in your life that you have shunned, or wish to
never speak to again, because they have hurt your or offended you? Failure to forgive said person is the same as
murder. Take some time, between now and
Easter, and seek out forgiving this person.
Going to a Penance Service and reconciling this with God, is a great
first step to help with forgiveness.
Commandment
Seven- You shall not commit adultery
“Check!” Adultery is not just the physical act. Remember, it includes what is in your
thoughts and heart. In our very busy
world, take time to be with your spouse to grow in your relationship. Set aside time to talk about what you have
seen or heard in church. Take time to
focus on what it is that God wants your relationship to be by praying together.
Commandment
Eight- You shall not steal.
“Check!” If you have never stolen anything from anyone
or any place, you got this one, right?
Unfortunately, stealing is much bigger than items. Taking poorly about others, trying to crush
ones dignity through words is essentially stealing. This Lent focus on helping others in
unfortunate situations. Be there for
someone who needs help getting through a tough time, or help through an issue they
do not understand. Be there for someone
who is struggling. Spend time giving to
them, instead of stealing from them.
Commandment
Nine- You shall not give false witness against your neighbor
Commandment
Ten- You shall not covet your neighbors, house, wife, or property
I combine
these two commandments because they deal with your neighbor. When we say neighbor we are really talking
about everyone, not just the people that live next door. Giving false witness or coveting the things
of those in our life can be struggles many have. Sometimes we want more, so we can have what
our neighbor have. This might take us
away from our family time, as we work harder to get more. Take some time this Lent to help thy
neighbor. Take some time to do unto
others… Take time to give thanks to God
for all the blessings you have, and ask Him to give you the wisdom to share
with others.
Take these
Commandments and try your best not to complicate them. Expand these Commandments into your daily
prayers, thoughts, and activities. Allow
these words of God to guide you in the decisions you make. Try not to add subsections or look at them as
the rules. Remember them when with those
you interact with each day. Allow them guide
your heart and to protect you.
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