First Commandment
What does the First Commandment require of us?
To believe in one true God, to hope in Him, and to love Him above all things.
Where and to whom were the Ten Commandments given?
Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, traditionally believed to be located in the Sinai Peninsula.
True or False — Using God's name casually or as an exclamation is perfectly fine.
FALSE. The Second Commandment forbids the misuse of God's name in any way, including carelessly or habitually.
What is the other name for the Ten Commandments found in Scripture?
The Decalogue is another name for the Ten Commandments.
True or False: Missing Sunday Mass without a serious reason is a grave sin.
TRUE. The Sunday obligation is a serious precept of the Church. Missing it deliberately without a grave reason is a mortal sin.
What is it called when someone worships a creature, object, or false god instead of the one true God?
Idolatry.
What does the Second Commandment primarily protect?
The holiness of God's name. God's name is only to be used in prayer, or in talking about Him with respect.
What are legitimate reasons for missing Sunday Mass without sinning?
Illness, caring for the seriously ill or very young children, grave necessity, or the absence of a priest. The bishop may also grant dispensations.
What are the three theological virtues that the First Commandment requires us to practice toward God
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Jake is obsessed with his social media following. He spends hours every day anxious about his likes, never prays, and says "my followers are everything to me." Which commandment could this violate, and why?
The First Commandment. Placing ultimate value or trust in anything other than God — including social media, fame, money, or popularity — is a form of modern idolatry.
What is "blasphemy"?
Speaking words of hatred, reproach, or defiance against God — or using His name to cover up criminal practices. It is a grave sin against the Second Commandment.
Luke works at a grocery store and his boss schedules him every Sunday morning. He attends a Saturday Vigil Mass instead. Is he fulfilling his Sunday obligation?
Yes — the Saturday evening Vigil Mass counts as fulfilling the Sunday obligation. However, Catholics should still try to observe Sunday itself with proper rest and worship when possible.
What does the Third Commandment oblige Catholics to do on Sunday?
To attend Mass and to rest from servile work as a way of keeping Sunday holy. One of the most important ways to keep God's day holy is to go to Mass.
What is the sin of "sacrilege"?
Profaning or treating unworthily the sacraments or sacred persons, places, and things. It is a sin against the First Commandment.
Sam buys a relic from a local religious store. Is this a sin? If so, who's sin is it?
Simony is the buying or selling of spiritual things (like sacraments or Church offices) which is a grave matter. It violates the First Commandment. Both Sam and the shop owner who sold it will be held accountable.
What is a "false oath"?
Calling on God to be witness to a lie. It is a grave sin against the Second Commandment.
Emma says "Oh my God!" as a casual reaction to seeing something funny on her phone. Is this a sin?
It can be a venial sin at minimum. The Second Commandment calls us to use God's name only with reverence. Habitual careless use of God's name is a violation of the reverence owed to Him.
What is day is the Jewish "Sabbath" and how does it differ from the Christian Sunday ?
The Jewish Sabbath is Saturday, commemorating God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:2–3). The Christian Sunday replaces it because it celebrates the new creation — the Resurrection of Christ.
What is the difference between "latria" and "dulia"?
Latria is the worship due to God alone. Dulia is the veneration given to saints. Giving latria to anyone other than God is a sin against the First Commandment.
How do all three commandments — the First, Second, and Third — relate to one another?
They all govern humanity's relationship with God. The First commands right belief and worship. The Second commands right speech about God. The Third commands right time set aside for God. Together they fullfill the first and greatest commandment: to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind.
What is the difference between a "vow" and an "oath"?
An oath calls on God to witness the truth of a statement. A vow is a deliberate promise made to God. Both are governed by the Second Commandment and must be fulfilled.
What is "perjury" and why is it especially grave?
Perjury is making a promise under oath with no intention of keeping it, or making an oath about something false. It is a grave offense against God because it calls on God Himself to witness a lie.
Why do Catholics worship on Sunday rather than Saturday?
Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the "Lord's Day" — the new Sabbath, fulfilling the Old Testament Saturday Sabbath.