The fifth The fifth commandment: commandment:

you shall not you shall not killkill

4949

NOVELLI, PietroCain and Abel

Oil on canvas, 198 x 147 cmGalleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica,

Rome

Compendium of the Catechism 466. Why must human life be

respected? 2258-2262

2318-2320  Human life must be respected

because it is sacred. From its beginning human life involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. It is not lawful for anyone directly to destroy an innocent human being. This is gravely contrary to the dignity of the person and the holiness of the Creator. “Do not slay the innocent and the righteous” (Exodus 23:7).

Introduction

God rebuked Cain for his sin and cursed him for having shed innocent blood which cried out to God for punishment. Cain, filled with remorse, became a restless wanderer for the rest of his days.

The fifth commandment forbids not only killing, but also quarrels, blows, envy, etc., and above all it commands respect and the gentlest of care for human life, which is a gift from God.

PIESTRE CORMON, Fernand-Anne (1845-1924)Cain flying before Jehovah's CurseOil on canvas, c.1880149 1/2 x 275 1/2 inches (380 x 700 cm)Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Main ideasMain ideas

1. Only God is lord and master of human life

Only God is master of life from its beginning to its end: man is only a steward and has to take good care of his own life and that of others.

The fifth commandment forbids any unjust attempts against our own or other’s life. But this commandment should not

be understood only as a prohibition; it also demands charity, harmony and peace with all –even with those who consider themselves our enemies— and these positive dimensions of of the commandment are its main content.

WATTS, George Frederick (1817-1904)The Denunciation Of CainOil on canvas59 x 27 inches (149.9 x 68.6 cm)Private collection

2. Duties of the fifth commandment towards ourselves

To love and respect ourselves, without selfishness and without pride.

To make good use of our talents. Laziness is the sin opposed to making our talents bear fruit.

To love and respect our body: In opposition to this love stands suicide, amputations and mutilations, euthanasia, gluttony, drunkenness, abuse of drugs.

To take care of the spiritual life.

MOLENAER, Jan MienseAllegory of Vanity (detail)

1633Oil on canvas, 102 x 127 cm (full painting)

Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio

3. Duties of the fifth commandment towards others

Respect for other people's lives. This duty to respect life is infringed by homicide and abortion.

Respect for coexistence. It forbids everything contrary to our neighbour: hatred, envy, enmity, discord, revenge, quarrels, insults, wishing others evil, rejoicing when others suffer…

The sin of scandal: any word, action or omission which incites others to sin..

BLOCH, Carl Heinrich (1834-1890)The Slaughter of the InnocentsOil on canvasPublic collection

4. Help others in their needs

The fifth commandment commands us to love our neighbour, helping him with our example and word to fulfil his needs, both material and spiritual.

The Works of Mercy remind us what the main needs of our neighbours are, and help us to show them our love.

Young TENIERSThe Seven Acts of MercyLouvre, Paris

Resolutions for Resolutions for Christian lifeChristian life

Resolutions to move forward

Look up “The Works of Mercy” in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and consider which ones you practise and which one you might practise more.

Be respectful and friendly with everybody. Never harbour a grudge or wish anyone evil. Avoid insults and nasty nicknames.

Forgive those who offend us, as we pray in the Our Father.