The Decalogue, popularly known as the Ten Commandments are a list of religious and moral imperatives that according to Judeo-Christian referred tradition, were authorized by God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:23) or Horeb (Deuteronomy 5:2).
Since God is not the kind of Judge who puts on his Judge’s robe with his gavel in his hand and coming down with immediate judgement and sentencing, we sometimes think that his commandments are just optional, thereby, reducing them to mere suggestions.
For us Christians, it is important to know that the Bible as the revealed word of God, is not only a book of prayer, history and culture but a book of commandments and not a suggestion. “Keep my commandments and live; keep my teachings as the apple of your eyes”. (Proverbs 7:2).
Think about it this way: can you recite the Ten Commandments by heart? Do I listen to God the way I listen to human authorities? Do I obey God’s commandments the way I obey traffic rules? Do we actually read the word of God the way we read newspapers, magazines and other books? Do I obey God’s commandments the way we obey laws put in place by humans? Do I respect God the way I respect my boss at the office? etc.
The Ten Commandments are there to guide us in our relationship with one another and God. We cannot do it on our own; we need God.
As I conclude this, I would like to thank you for your prompt and generous donations towards the new boiler for St. Theresa Church. In just five weeks we have raised all the money needed to have a new boiler. This is incredible! Thank you for loving your
parish. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you. Thank you.
Fr. Abraham