5th-Comm-2025

LESSON 4.1: 5th Commandment - JESUS CALLS US TO UPHOLD THE GIFT OF HUMAN LIFE

Learning Targets

  • Discuss why life is:

    • Sacred

    • A gift

    • Inviolable

    • A mystery

  • Enumerate violations of the fifth commandment.

  • Discuss ways to protect life in relation to Catholic Teachings.

ACTIVITY 4.1: Know-Show

  • Know: Write what you already know about the value of human life.

  • Show: Write how you can show the value of human life.

    • Example: Everyone has the right to life. Avoid bodily harm to others.

The Gift of Life

  • Importance of gifts:

    • Gift-giving is an expression of gratitude and charity.

    • Life is a gift we should be thankful for daily, granted by God.

What is Life?

  • Sacred Nature of Life:

    • Life is created, sustained, and guided by God.

Why is Human Life a Gift?

  • Free Gift from God:

    • Created and sustained through God’s spirit.

  • Collective Possession:

    • Life is not private; it's a shared divine gift.

Why is Human Life a Mystery?

  • Endless Richness:

    • Life is characterized by unlimited discoveries and beauty.

Why is Human Life Sacred?

  • Created in God’s Image:

    • Sustained by the Holy Spirit.

    • Redeemed by Christ’s blood.

  • Temple of the Holy Spirit:

    • Establishes a unique relationship with God.

The Fifth Commandment's Obligation

  • Respect for Life:

    • "You shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13).

    • Encourages:

      • Respect for life

      • Upholding dignity

      • Caring for oneself

      • Avoidance of abuse

Violations of the Fifth Commandment

Common Vices

  • Definition of Vices: Immoral or sinful practices harmful to individuals or society.

Physical Abuse

  • Definition: Direct attacks causing harm to another person.

Murder

  • Definition: Voluntary and unjust killing of a human being.

Abortion

  • Definition: Expulsion of the fetus leading to its death.

  • Social Pressures: Many women face pressures leading to this choice; improvements needed in healthcare and adoption services.

Euthanasia

  • Definition: Directly ending a life due to incurable illness; morally unacceptable.

Capital Punishment

  • Definition: Execution of an offender sentenced to death; worsens cycles of violence.

War

  • Definition: Conflict causing grave and lasting damages.

Mutilation/Torture

  • Definition: Cutting off bodily parts; violates moral law.

Suicide

  • Definition: Deliberate self-harm that contradicts the instinct to preserve life.

Additional Considerations

  • Attitudes toward Tattoos: Discuss societal perceptions of tattoos.

  • Views on Duterte's Anti-Drug Campaign: Examine ethical implications and responses.

Commandment Summary

  • Forbids unjust killing:

    • Protecting integrity of body and soul.

    • Commands a reasonable protection of life (e.g., self-defense).

Internal Attitudes and Love

  • Importance of inner attitudes: Address issues such as hatred, anger, and selfish intentions.

  • Love as a core principle: Promoting welfare and avoiding harm to others.

Reflection Questions

  • Societal Threats: Identify serious threats to human life today.

  • Enduring Understandings:

    • Life is a divine gift: sacred, mysterious, and inviolable.

    • Everyone must respect human life.

Quote from Pope Francis

  • "God is in every person's life, no matter their past. Seek God in every human life."

Stewardship of Life

  • Responsibilities:

    • Care for individuals in need, respect dignity, protect from harm, promote well-being.

Process-based Questions

  • Discuss why human life is sacred and how you have become a steward of life.

  • Analyze the consequences of war.

Supplementary Activity

  • Offenses to Human Life: Discuss ways to avoid them.

Journal Entry 4.1

  • Task: Write a 2-stanza poem about respect for human life.

    • Use a hashtag title relevant to the topic.