Our Lady of the Holy Rosary — St. Richard Catholic Church

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary-St. Richard Catholic Church

April 29, 2018 - Fifth Sunday of Easter

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SAFE RELEASE OF LEAH SHARIBU AND OTHERS WHO ARE HELD CAPTIVE BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO RENOUNCE THEIR CHRISTIAN FAITH

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT: DO NOT STEAL--ACT JUSTLY*

Have you ever taken property belonging to another person without their permission?

We are called to respect people and their possessions. The Seventh Commandment forbids theft or stealing, the taking of someone’s property or money “against the reasonable will of the owner.” Theft includes not just robbery, but also actions such as embezzlement, computer theft, fraud, identity theft, counterfeit money, copyright violations, pirating of music or computer software, mail scams or other type of scams.

We should not steal from one another, pay unjust wages, cheat in our business dealings, or exploit the weakness of others to make money. Our promises should be honored and our contracts kept to the extent that they are morally just. We should pay our just debts, and fulfill our obligations to which we freely commit ourselves. The government has the right and the duty to enact laws to protect the legitimate ownership of money and property and to protect people from theft and injury. A violation of this Commandment requires reparation and the restitution of the stolen property.

To help us keep this Commandment. “we need to acquire the virtues of moderation in our possessions, justice in our treatment of others, respect for their human dignity, and solidarity with all peoples. Moderation curbs our attachment to worldly goods and restrains our appetite for consumerism. Justice helps us respect our neighbor’s rights and be interested in their well-being. Solidarity opens our hearts to identifying with the whole human family, reminding us of our common humanity” (USCCA, p. 419).

We do not live in isolation. We are social beings who live in relationship with others such as our spouse, children, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, Parish, community, and other cultures to which we belong.

The Seventh Commandment concerns issues of social justice and human dignity. It recognizes the basic rights of individuals both economically and socially. The Church offers and promotes religious and moral principles that speak to prominent social issues.

The central focus of the Church’s social teaching is “justice for all,” especially for those who are poor or who are helpless. All of the Church’s social teachings are centered around the fundamental principle of the sacredness of all human life and the inherent dignity of every human being.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all called to learn, practice, promote, and live the social teachings of the Catholic Church. We will discuss more about Catholic Social Teaching in later sessions.

*U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, Ch. 31.

 Reflect on Your Experience

How do you feel when someone takes your property without your permission?

How do you practice moderation in your life?

"The Seventh Commandment" (Fr. Dan O'Reilly)

"You Shall Not Steal" - CCC 2401-2418  (Fr. Daniel Mahan)

"Social Doctrine" - CCC 2419-2463 (Fr. Daniel Mahan)

"Healer of My Soul" (John Michael Talbot) 

"How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place"

"I Can Only Imagine"

"What's Mine is God's and What's Yours is God:
A Presentation of the Seventh Commandment"

"Catechism Commentary--Possessions: The Seventh Commandment

"The Seventh Commandment" (Mark Shea)

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: aff@hrsrcs.org