Chapter 32 — "The Eighth Commandment: Tell the Truth"
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, Jesus Christ,
You are the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Hear our prayer for truth and integrity
in all segments of society today.
May the truth be spoken by us and affirmed in others,
that in seeking truth, the world will come to find You,
the Source of All Truth.
Wherever relationships are weakened
by deception or hypocrisy,
strengthen good Christian character among us
that we may bear witness to the critical need for truth.
May your Spirit of Truth fashion minds and hearts
open to a moral integrity so strong
that both words and actions can be trusted.
In public and private life,
deepen among us a genuine commitment
to honest, sincerity and truth-telling.
Let nations and peoples not compromise truth
by rationalization or pretense,
but safe-guard and defend it always
as Your most precious gift.
Lord, may those around us come to know
that they can take us at our word,
until that day when all the world lives in truth
and the Truth sets us free. Amen.
Amen.
Source: http://www.holynameebg.org
"THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT: TELL THE TRUTH"
—CCC, Nos. 2464–2513
When and why do you fail to tell the “truth”?
God is the source of all truth. Not only did Jesus teach and live the truth, he also said, “I am...the truth” (Jn 14:6) “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31–32)
“Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words, and guarding against duplicity, dissimulation, and hypocrisy...Respect for the reputation and honor of persons forbids all detraction [unflattering truths] and calumny [making false and defamatory statements against another] in word or attitude” (CCC, nos. 2505 and 2507). Therefore, the Eighth Commandment states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Ex 20:16).
Lying is a direct offense against the truth that is an offense against the fundamental relation of a person and of their word to the Lord (CCC no. 2483). In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one” (Mt. 5:37). Failing to do this can constitute hypocrisy (saying one thing while doing the opposite), a sin against the truth.
We can look to the Golden Rule as a guide for us in revealing the truth to another: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” (Mt 7:12; Lk 6:31).
We testify to the truths of our faith in the way we live, speak, and act every day. However, “No one is bound to reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to know it” (CCC, no. 2489). For example, one’s right to privacy, the security of others, and respect for the common good are reasons for being discreet or silent concerning matters that should not be disclosed. It is for these reasons that gossiping is a sinful violation of the privacy of others. Likewise, people in positions where confidences are entrusted should keep such matters confidential unless there is a grave and proportionate reason for disclosing the information.
“The information provided by the media is at the service of the common good. Society has a right to information based on truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity” (CCC, no. 2494)…. One should practice moderation and discipline in the use of the social communications media” (CCC, No. 2512). This is especially important today where media can have such an influential effect in disseminating information, forming attitudes, and motivating behavior; and where culture is moving away from the acceptance of objective truth toward a culture of opinions.
We are called to “know the truth, love the truth, live the truth and the truth is Jesus Christ.
Please read this week USCCA,Chapter 32, "The Eighth Commandment: Tell the Truth" (pages 429–438), the CCC, Nos. 2464–2513, (pages 591–601), and the Compendium, Nos. 521–526
VIDEOS
"The Eighth Commandment" (Fr. Dan O'Reilly)
"The Eighth Commandment- You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor"
"The Eighth Commandment" (The Religion Project)
"False Witness" – CCC 2464–2513 (Fr. Daniel Mahan)
MUSIC
"Spiritus Domini" (Gregorian Chant)
"My Redeemer Lives"
"You are Near"
OTHER RESOURCES
"You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor" (Msgr. C. Pope)
"Catechism Commentary: The Eighth Commandment"
The Eighth Commandment (Peter Kreeft, Ph.D.)
"Catechism Commentary: The Eighth Commandment"
The Eighth Commandment (Peter Kreeft, Ph.D.)