We can apply this thought to our understanding of the Ten Commandments. Many good people understand the Ten Commandments with a mindset of "what’s the least that I must do?" For example, "Thou Shall Not Kill" is often interpreted as "I will not murder or I will not participate in an abortion." After all, that would be following the letter of the law—not literally killing. However, if we listened to last weekend’s gospel, we know that the Christ came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it—and fulfill it with the Spirit. Thus, when we apply the Spirit of the law to the Fifth Commandment,

Thou Shall Not Kill, we should broaden our understanding of this Commandment to recognize that "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator who is its sole end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being." (CCC2258). In brief, the Fifth Command-ment would apply to Scandal as a grave offense when by deed or omission it deliberately leads others into sin; it would apply with respect for the person and scientific research; and it would apply with respect for the Dignity of Persons including their reputation (i.e., gossip, etc.). With this consideration, we can better understand God’s words: "You have heard that it was said to the men of old: You shall not kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment. But I say to you that every one that is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment."(55)

The Decalogue or the Ten Commandments are meant not as restrictive and burdensome rules and regulations crafted to make us little automatons but rather are meant from God as a means to live fully as a human person made in the image and likeness of God. When we live fully, we are truly free. When our wills are formed well by the Truth, then our actions will follow leadings us away from sin and temptation and along a well-ordered path formed by God and in service to Him by the way we love and care for others. Let us pray asking God for the grace to "go beyond" our limited and finite condition, reaching always for the highest common denominator, not the least.