Ask Father: Finding a list of all Ten Commandments, other than in the Bible, is becoming a rarity. What could be more basic than to know these rules of life? Can you list all ten for us to revisit?
Dear friend in Christ,
Ask and you shall receive! Here is a list of the Ten Commandments along with a practical examination of conscience based on each one. This would be a very helpful way to prepare for Confession. It’s adapted from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
I. I Am The Lord Your God, You Shall Have No Strange Gods Before Me Is God the top priority in my life? Have I treated people, events, or things as more important than God?
II. You Shall Not Take The Name Of The Lord Your God In Vain Do I use the name of Jesus in anger? Do I challenge others when they do so? Do I use my words to build people up or tear them down?
III. Keep Holy The Sabbath Do I go to Mass (outside the pandemic) at least every weekend? Do I keep the Holy Days of Obligation? Do I treat Mass as a burden or a gift? Do I rest on Sundays? IV. Honor Your Father And Mother Do I respect my parents and keep good communication with them? Do I care for them generously? V. You Shall Not Kill Have I harmed people emotionally, physically or verbally? Do I manipulate others? Do I deal with my anger in constructive ways? VI. You Shall Not Commit Adultery Do I respect the physical and sexual dignity of others? Do I use others for my own gratification? Do I honor the promises I have made to spouse? VII. You Shall Not Take Steal Do I take what does not belong to me? Do I waste time or resources, especially those that I owe to my employer? VIII. You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor
Do I lie, gossip or embellish? Do I tell stories to show how much I know about others? Do I mind my own business? IX. You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Spouse Have I honored my spouse with my full affection and exclusive love? Have I engaged in inappropriate relationships with others? X. You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Goods Am I content with everything God has given me or do I compare myself to others? Am I jealous? Do I inordinately pursue material goods and pleasures?
And here’s a link to a version that kids can use: https://bit.ly/3636CW8