The Ten Commandments aren’t just ancient rules; they’re a living path to joy. Read through a Catholic lens, they reveal what real love of God and neighbor looks like in the ordinary decisions of study, work, family, and friendship. Below is how FOCUS frames the Commandments as a practical roadmap for missionary disciples today.
The Big Picture: Love Fulfills the Law
Jesus sums up the Commandments in two great commands: love God and love your neighbor (cf. Mt 22:37–40).
For Catholics, the Commandments are not merely “don’ts”—they’re positive invitations: worship the true God; speak truth; honor promises; reverence life; protect chastity; practice justice and generosity.
Confession Companion: The Commandments are a time-tested examination of conscience. Pray through each one to notice where God is inviting growth and healing. (See our list of Examinations of Conscience on our blog)
Deepening Your Relationship with God (Commandments 1–3)
1. “I am the Lord your God… You shall have no other gods before me.”
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Live it: Put God first in schedule and decisions; reject idols like image, success, screens, or comfort.
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Examen prompts: Do I prioritize prayer daily? Do I trust God more than my own plans?
2. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
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Live it: Speak God’s name with reverence; avoid casual oaths, profanity, and blasphemy—online too.
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Examen prompts: Do my words reveal faith and gratitude? Do I mock or minimize holy things?
3. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
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Live it: Sunday Mass (and Holy Days), intentional rest, family time, and works of mercy. Limit needless work and shopping when possible.
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Examen prompts: Do I plan my week around worship and rest? Do I make space for silence and gratitude?
Strengthening Community & Relationships (Commandments 4–10)
4. Honor your father and mother.
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Live it: Respect parents/guardians and legitimate authorities; be grateful, communicate, help at home.
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Campus angle: Honor professors and leaders; meet deadlines; give feedback respectfully.
5. You shall not kill.
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Live it: Protect life from conception to natural death; reject violence, hatred, revenge. Practice forgiveness.
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Everyday angle: Guard the “life” of others’ reputations by refusing gossip or rash judgment.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
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Live it: Embrace chastity according to your state in life; treat others as sons and daughters of God, not objects.
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Digital purity: Order media, browsing, and dating apps toward virtue; seek accountability.
7. You shall not steal.
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Live it: Be honest with property, time, and intellectual work (plagiarism, pirated media, “time theft”).
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Community angle: Be generous—share time, talent, and treasure with those in need.
8. You shall not bear false witness.
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Live it: Speak truth with charity; avoid lies, half-truths, calumny, detraction, and click-bait exaggeration.
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Online: Verify before sharing; correct errors promptly.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse.
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Live it: Purify desires; refuse emotional affairs and flirtation that undermine commitments.
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Interior freedom: Pray for others’ good; cultivate custody of the heart and imagination.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
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Live it: Practice gratitude and simplicity; avoid envy and consumerism.
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Missionary angle: Celebrate others’ success; share resources and opportunities.
Next Steps: Practical Applications by Vocation & Season of Life
College Students
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Align classwork and friendships with love of God and neighbor.
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Choose study integrity over shortcuts; set media boundaries; keep Sunday Mass central.
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Missionary move: invite a friend to a Bible study or Holy Hour this week.
Young Adults
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Audit your work–life–prayer rhythm; protect Sunday rest; calendar confession monthly.
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Practice financial honesty and generosity; mentor a younger student or new teammate.
Families
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Use the Commandments in family prayer: one per week with a simple example for kids.
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Sunday culture: Mass → family meal → screen-light rest; teach gratitude and service.
Parish & Small Groups
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Run a 10-week series (one commandment per session) or a 4-week overview.
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Combine Scripture, a short reflection, and concrete challenges.
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Use FOCUS studies and confession guides to support real change.
Next Steps: Confession Prep: A One-Page Checklist
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Pray: “Lord, reveal what keeps me from You.”
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Walk through 1–10; jot quick notes.
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Ask: Where do I need to repair relationships or property?
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Go to confession with trust in God’s mercy.
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Make a small penitential plan (e.g., tech fast, restitution, daily examen).
Additional Resources
Living the Ten Commandments will transform your discipleship—and your relationships. Find more resources like this on our blog:
The Healing Power of Confession
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