Hey there,
One of my favorite movies is Ocean’s Eleven. Eleven con men come together to rob 3 Las Vegas Casinos of millions of dollars.
We watch as the team is assembled. We see the planning and practicing.
We see the successful con … and we see the celebration.
We root for them every step of the way … and delight in their success.
Ocean’s Eleven glorifies theft. And there are plenty of others.
The Thomas Crown Affair. The Usual Suspects. National Treasure. And who could forget my personal favorite, The Sting.
These movies, and lots of others like them, make stealing attractive, fun, and profitable.
Of course, we know this goes against the Seventh Commandment: Thou shall not steal.
So we’re not at risk.
But according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, respecting other people’s property is just one aspect of stealing.
The Seventh Commandment covers caring for others, animals, and the environment too.
This week’s issue of Genuflect breaks down the Seventh Commandment … and all the things that it covers, from theft of property, and not respecting the environment, to wasting time when you should be working, and not repaying a debt.
There are a lot of activities covered by the Seventh Commandment. Make sure you know what they are so you don’t jeaopardize your heavenly reward.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P.S. Today is Ash Wednesday. If you still need to plan your Lent, here’s a look back at some past Lenten issues:
Does Keeping Lenten Promises Matter?
The Little Things That Are Key to Your Great Lent
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
The Seventh Commandment
Thou shall not steal. Seems pretty simple. But as the Catholic News Agency sums up in this Q & A, there are several types of stealing you might not be aware of. Here’s what you need to know.
Lesson 34: From The Seventh to The End of The Tenth Commandment | Catholic News Agency
Details on Stealing
Here’s an expanded explanation of all the various activities that are considered part of the Seventh Commandment. But first, we look at the purpose of material goods in God’s plan.
Chapter 7 – Stealing And Coveting – My Catholic Morals! | My Catholic Life
Faceless Theft
Mark Shea says we find it easier to steal when we don’t see our victim’s face. And we justify it by saying they have enough money. But this is still a sin.
You Shall Not Steal! | Catholic Exchange
Stealing And Creation
God has entrusted man to be stewards of His creation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, that includes the environment and animals. This is tied to the Seventh Commandment. Here’s how.
How The 7th Commandment Directs Our Care of Creation | Aleteia
Laudato Si
In 2015 Pope Francis published an encyclical titled Laudato Si’ – Care for Our Common Home. It deals with the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth. Here’s a summary.
Best Laudato Si’ Summary | Laudato Si Movement
Prayer For Protection
If you’re ever concerned about your safety from thieves or assaults, pray Psalm 59.
Psalm 59, For Protection Against Thieves, Assaults, And All Types of Oppression | Aleteia
genuflect: related
You may enjoy Genuflect’s other articles about the 10 Commandments:
Following God’s Directions: The Ten Commandments
Delving Into The First Commandment’s Deeper Meanings
Removing Blasphemy From Your Vocabulary
Remembering to Keep Holy The Sabbath
Honoring Your Father And Your Mother
The Fifth Commandment’s Call to Respect Human Life
Uncovering The Sin of Adultery
NOT Bearing False Witness Against Your Neighbor
Uncovering The Sin of Adultery
Coveting Your Neighbor’s Goods
genuflect: bonus
Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Christmas wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
