Because each one of us is your image, God, no one is unimportant. No one can be done away with, removed, omitted, injured, put down, or eliminated. Help me to truly see you in my neighbor, and to recognize myself and you in every person.
For the Jewish people, this commandment addressed “getting even” or seeking revenge by taking someone’s life. Taking the life of another person for any reason is always a very serious matter.
It might seem like this commandment is obvious, because it is already written in the depths of our hearts. But at the time in which the Ten Commandments were originally given, capital punishment and violent wars were common. And today? Unfortunately, we have not yet learned; we still kill one another!
It is impressive to read the episode of the killing of Abel in the first few chapters of the Bible. It is as if we were warned against the tragic consequences of hatred from the very beginning of the human story. And the most impressive thing about this story is that the crime happens between two brothers!
Maybe the story about Cain and Abel teaches us that ending the life of another person always means ending the life of a “brother.”
This reality of our being “brothers” and “sisters” ought to influence all our choices and considerations. Even in the midst of conflict and tension, we must stretch ourselves to use every way and resource to find a meeting point. Our creativity can help us discover how to dialogue and confront one another in a peaceful manner.
While taking a life is never a good thing, it sometimes happens during war, in an act of self-defense, or because of an accident. We can protect life by being peaceful, respectful, and careful regarding others.
We know this from what we read in newspapers and see on the television and internet news every day.
The fifth commandment reminds us clearly that life is sacred and that no one has the right to destroy it. In fact this commandment means that we have a responsibility to take care of our health by eating well, exercising, and not doing anything to harm or put ourselves in danger.
While breaking any of the other commandments leaves us with the possibility of reconciling or repairing a broken relationship, the act of killing does not. Every person is unique and irreplaceable. Even more, killing strikes at God because he created each individual person “in his image and likeness.”
The fifth commandment is very direct and very brief! But this commandment asks that we open our eyes wide to reality and reflect on the fact that there are many ways to “take” someone’s life.
Certainly, the most obvious way is by causing someone’s death, and killing another person is the gravest wrong that anyone can do. But is refraining from killing anyone enough to keep this commandment? No. The fifth commandment invites us to care for every human life: that of a baby inside his or her mother’s womb, waiting to be born; that of someone who is sick or of an elderly person nearing death; that of any brother or sister throughout the world who doesn’t have necessities like food and water; even that of a criminal who has harmed others. The fifth commandment asks us to defend, protect, and promote life. Because all life comes from God, we should always choose life.
Jesus is very clear about this commandment. In the Sermon on the Mount he says, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment” (Mt 5:21–22).
Not only should we not kill, Jesus tells us, but we should not hate. We should not call anyone “stupid” or any other insulting name, respond to another in anger or with indifference, or humiliate or mock anyone. All these things can deeply hurt and in some way “kill” or gravely harm another person.
When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter tried to defend him by pulling out his sword and striking the high priest’s servant. Jesus disapproved of what Peter had done and healed the wounded man. Even in such a tragic moment, Jesus did not want his friends to respond to evil with violence. Jesus’ words in the Gospel go even further, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute them, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven...” (Mt 5:44–45).
The Scriptures everywhere tell us that God is the Living One, the one who bestows life and points the way to fullness of life. I think of the beginning of the Book of Genesis: God fashions man out of the dust of the earth; he breathes in his nostrils the breath of life, and man becomes a living being (cf. 2:7). God is the source of life; thanks to his breath, man has life. God’s breath sustains the entire journey of our life on earth.
Pope Francis, homily June 16, 2013
Evangelium Vitae Day, no. 1
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Jesus warns his disciples about violent words as well as actions. |
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Have you ever been wounded by a word, an insult, or a comment? When? |
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Have you ever wounded someone by your words, actions, or by disregarding them? |
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Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent her whole life caring for and defending the lives of those who are the smallest and the neediest—the poorest of the poor. This poem is attributed to her. Life is an opportunity, seize it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a blessing, savor it. Life is a dream, make it a reality. Life is a challenge, face it. Life is a duty, accomplish it. Life is a game, play it. Life is precious, take care of it. Life is rich, conserve it. Life is love, enjoy it. Life is a mystery, discover it. Life is promise, fulfill it. Life is sadness, overcome it. Life is a hymn, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is an adventure, risk it. Life is happiness, earn it. Life is life, defend it. |
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What is life for you? |
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yes