Family and Life: Commandments 4–5

I honor my parents and respect every human life as a gift from God.

Live 10 minutes CCC 2197–2226, 2258–2262, 2288, 2302–2306

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Fourth: “Honor your father and your mother.” God made the family to be the first place of love. Children honor their parents with respect, gratitude and obedience while they live at home, and later by caring for them when they are old.

Parents, in turn, are called to love, protect and teach their children, especially about God. This commandment also asks us to respect teachers and leaders who serve the good of everyone.

Fifth: “You shall not kill.” Every human life is sacred, from the very beginning to natural death, because God made each person in His image.

Jesus taught that this commandment goes deeper than not killing. Hurting others with our fists or our words, bullying and holding on to anger all go against it. We also respect life by taking care of our own health.

Instead, we are called to be peacemakers: to control our anger, forgive, and protect anyone who is weak or in danger.

Catechism: CCC 2197–2226, 2258–2262, 2288, 2302–2306Scripture: Exodus 20:12–13 · Matthew 5:21–24

Words to know

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Keep this in your heart
I honor my parents and respect every human life as a gift from God.

Say it out loud three times. Tap a circle each time!

Quiz

  1. What does it mean to honor your parents?
    Answer: To respect, thank and obey them
  2. Why is every human life sacred?
    Answer: God made each person in His image
  3. Does the fifth commandment include hurtful words and anger?
    Answer: Yes, Jesus taught that
  4. Besides parents, whom else does the fourth commandment ask us to respect?
    Answer: Teachers and leaders who serve the common good

Pray & do

Heavenly Father, bless my family. Help me honor my parents, love my brothers and sisters, and protect every life You have made. Amen.

Activity

Write a thank-you note to a parent or caregiver listing three things they do for you. Then make a “peace plan” for when you feel angry: breathe, step away, talk it out and pray.

Family corner

Hold a short family meeting where each person names one way to show more respect at home.

Lesson complete!

Today's big idea: I honor my parents and respect every human life as a gift from God.