Thou Shall Not Steal
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the seventh commandment is “You shall not steal“.Here are some key points:
Meaning
The seventh commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, has a broader meaning than simply prohibiting theft. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:
- Just and Charitable Care of Possessions: It calls for fairness and generosity in regards to material goods and the work people do to acquire them [CCC 2401].
- Balance Between Private Property and Common Good: The Catechism acknowledges the right to private property but emphasizes that originally, God entrusted the earth to all humanity. There’s a responsibility to use possessions for the benefit of others [CCC 2402, 2403].
- Respect for Universal Destination of Goods: This means recognizing that resources are meant to meet the needs of everyone, not just individuals [CCC 2402].
- Avoiding Theft and Wrongful Taking: Stealing is explicitly forbidden, as is any action that unjustly deprives someone of their belongings [CCC 2453].
The Catechism also mentions that a Christian life should strive to use material possessions for the greater good and to help those in need [CCC 2401].
In essence, the seventh commandment goes beyond just not stealing. It encourages Catholics to consider how they can use their possessions and resources responsibly and ethically.
Following the Seventh Commandment
Here are some ways you can follow the Seventh Commandment, according to its broader meaning in the Catechism, in your daily life:
Be Mindful of Consumption:
- Buy Less, Choose Well: Avoid impulse purchases and focus on quality items that will last.
- Consider Used or Sustainable Goods: Look into pre-owned items or products made with recycled materials.
- Reduce Waste: Compost food scraps, mend clothes, and avoid single-use items.
Practice Responsible Use of Resources:
- Conserve Energy and Water: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, take shorter showers.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: Consider alternative transportation, like cycling or carpooling.
Be Generous with What You Have:
- Donate to Charity: Support organizations that help those in need, either with money or your time.
- Share with Others: Offer unused items to friends, family, or shelters.
- Volunteer Your Skills: Donate your time and talents to help others.
Be Honest in Work and Business:
- Fair Wages and Working Conditions: Advocate for fair wages and safe working conditions for yourself and others.
- Accurate Representation: Be truthful in advertising and business dealings.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Give credit to others for their work, ideas, and property.
Be a Responsible Consumer:
- Research Companies: Learn about the practices of companies before buying their products.
- Support Fair Trade: Choose products that ensure fair wages and working conditions for those who make them.
By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can follow the spirit of the Seventh Commandment and contribute to a more just and equitable world.
Sins Against the Seventh Commandment
The Seventh Commandment, according to the Catechism’s broader meaning, can be violated in a number of ways beyond just physical theft. Here are some categories of sins that fall under this commandment:
Stealing and Unjust Taking: This includes obvious acts like theft, robbery, embezzlement, or using someone’s belongings without permission.
Cheating and Fraud: Deception for personal gain, like lying on taxes, using false weights or measures, or plagiarism.
Damage to Property: Deliberately damaging someone else’s possessions through vandalism or neglectful borrowing.
Failure to Repay Debts: Not paying back loans or neglecting financial obligations.
Excessive Waste: Squandering resources or possessions through carelessness or overconsumption.
Unfair Wages and Working Conditions: Paying workers less than they deserve or providing unsafe working environments.
Ignoring the Needs of Others: Hoarding resources while others are in need.
Sins related to work and business:
Monopoly: Creating an unfair advantage in a market to restrict competition and drive up prices.
Price Gouging: Charging excessively high prices for essential goods, especially during times of scarcity.
Insider Trading: Using confidential information for personal gain in the stock market.
Tax Evasion: Avoiding paying taxes that are rightfully owed.
Sins related to consumption:
Frivolous Spending: Spending money wastefully on unnecessary things, especially when it comes at the expense of necessities or helping those in need.
Littering: Disposing of waste improperly, which can harm the environment and pollute public spaces.
Other behaviors:
Vandalism: Deliberately damaging public or private property.
Copyright Infringement: Using someone else’s creative work (like music or writing) without permission.
Piracy: Illegally downloading or distributing copyrighted material.
Intentional harm to another’s ability to earn a living:
Blackmail: Threatening to reveal something damaging in order to extort money or something else of value.
Slander and Libel: Spreading false information that damages someone’s reputation, potentially affecting their ability to work or conduct business.
It’s important to remember that intent matters. Accidentally damaging something or forgetting to return a borrowed book wouldn’t necessarily be considered a sin. But if there’s deliberate misuse or disregard for others’ property or well-being, then it can violate the Seventh Commandment.
The Catechism also emphasizes the importance of using resources responsibly [CCC 2401]. So actions that harm the environment through pollution or unsustainable practices could be seen as going against the spirit of this commandment.
Fostering Intimacy with Jesus
Following the Seventh Commandment, which extends beyond physical theft according to the Catechism, can foster intimacy with Jesus in a few ways:
Living a Christ-like Life:
- By treating others fairly and with respect in regards to their possessions, you emulate Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and justice. This aligns your character with Jesus’ values and strengthens your desire to follow his path.
Growing in Selflessness:
- When you resist the urge to steal or take advantage of others, you practice putting the needs of others before yourself. This selfless disposition aligns with Jesus’ message of service and sacrifice, bringing you closer to his way of living.
Deepening Your Trust in God:
- By letting go of the need to steal or cheat to get what you want, you demonstrate trust in God’s providence. You believe that God will take care of your needs and that you don’t need to resort to dishonest means. This trust strengthens your relationship with God.
Inner Peace and Harmony:
- Abiding by the Seventh Commandment can lead to a sense of inner peace and freedom from guilt. Knowing you’re acting with honesty and integrity allows you to focus on your relationship with God without burdens of wrongdoing.
Becoming a Better Steward:
- Responsible use of resources and avoiding waste shows respect for God’s creation. By caring for what God has provided, you become a better steward of the Earth and reflect God’s love for his creation.
Ultimately, following the Seventh Commandment is about living a life that reflects Jesus’ teachings and values. It’s a way to grow closer to God by aligning your actions with his message of love, fairness, and generosity.
Examining Your Conscience on the Seventh Commandment
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to examine your conscience regarding the Seventh Commandment, considering its broader meaning in the Catechism:
Honesty and Fairness:
- Have I been truthful in my business dealings and financial reporting?
- Have I taken advantage of someone’s mistake or misfortune for personal gain?
- Have I paid my bills and debts on time?
- Have I respected intellectual property rights by avoiding plagiarism or copyright infringement?
Stewardship and Waste:
- Have I been wasteful with my possessions or resources (food, water, energy)?
- Have I discarded usable items when I could have repaired or donated them?
- Have I considered the environmental impact of my consumption habits?
- Do I contribute to fair trade practices by supporting companies that ensure fair wages and working conditions?
Sharing and Generosity:
- Have I been generous with my time and resources to help those in need?
- Have I hoarded possessions when others could benefit from them?
- Have I given back to my community through charitable giving or volunteering?
Respect for Others’ Property:
- Have I borrowed something without permission or returned it late or damaged?
- Have I damaged someone else’s property through carelessness or neglect?
- Have I respected public property by avoiding vandalism or littering?
Fairness in Work and Wages:
- If I am an employer, have I provided fair wages and safe working conditions for my employees?
- If I am an employee, have I fulfilled my job duties with honesty and integrity?
Beyond Physical Theft:
- Have I used my position or power to take advantage of others?
- Have I spread gossip or rumors that could damage someone’s reputation or livelihood?
- Have I downloaded or distributed copyrighted material illegally?
Remember, these are just a starting point. Reflect honestly on your actions and consider where you might have fallen short of the ideals of responsible use and care for resources and the well-being of others.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the