The Ten Commandments

          This afternoon I shared with our 8th grade class at Queen of Angels school during their religion period.  We spoke of the Ten Commandments which they are currently covering.  We had a lively discussion.

     I shared my observation that the tablets of the Law were given to a people who did not have a strong and vibrant relationship with the God of their ancestors, and a community that was not much of a "community".  They needed identity ... they needed structure ... they needed direction.  Through Moses, God gave them what they needed.  The tablets of the Law contained specific instruction regarding their relationship with the God who had provided freedom - He was the ONLY God who chose them and shared His NAME with them, a name that must not be taken lightly or in vain.  Into that unique and intimate bond He invited them to follow His footsteps (the footsteps of creation) and, as the Lord had done, to rest and rejoice in the goodness of God ... to KEEP HOLY the LORD'S DAY.

     He gave them practical guides to living an ordered and respectful life, beginning with parents and family and ancestors and continuing with all who cross our path.  They were laws of respect for human dignity and regard for human life.  These laws were not restrictive, but freeing.  They did not bring oppression, but release and new life.  They were Laws of Love - as Jesus would later point out - Love of God and Love of Neighbor.

     We had a great discussion.

     Our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, is visiting his native Germany.  Today he spoke to the German Parliament, and the topic was the role of the lawmaker and the role of the LAW in the life of society.  He reminded them of King Solomon's request for "an understanding heart" to lead his people, and the praise that God gave regarding that choice.  He pointed out that the strength of European society rests in the mingling of philosophical principles with Roman law and religious values.  This is where the foundation has been laid, and this is where hope for the future can be found.  You can find his full text on Whispers in the Loggia which Rocco Palmo posted today.  It is worth reading.  He ends by saying to the lawmakers that they should ask for a listening heart - "the capacity to discern between good and evil, and thus to establish true law, to serve justice and peace."