Catecismo para bárbaros. Clase 21: El décimo mandamiento. No codiciar los bienes ajenos

Catechesis for Barbarians: Class 21 - The Tenth Commandment

Introduction and Prayer

• The session begins with a warm greeting from Father Javier Olivera, introducing the topic of the class, which is the Tenth Commandment.

• A prayer is recited to invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance during the discussion, emphasizing illumination and understanding.

• The prayer concludes with a request for divine assistance in discerning what is right and good.

Overview of Commandments

• This class focuses on the Tenth Commandment, "You shall not covet your neighbor's goods," following a brief mention of skipping directly from the Eighth to the Tenth commandment.

• Clarification is provided regarding previous discussions on related commandments, specifically linking it back to earlier teachings on lust and desire.

Content of the Tenth Commandment

• The commandment prohibits coveting not only one's neighbor's house but also their spouse, servants, livestock, or any possessions.

• Reference is made to Exodus 20:17 as foundational scripture for this commandment.

Theological Implications

• Discussion highlights how this commandment addresses human relationships concerning charity and love towards others.

• It emphasizes that true goodness stems from love for God and should reflect in our treatment of others.

Sinful Contrasts

• Two significant sins are identified that oppose this commandment: envy (spiritual harm) and greed (material harm).

• These sins are described as detrimental both spiritually and materially, affecting one’s relationship with God and others.

Influence of Saint Thomas Aquinas

• Father Javier references Saint Thomas Aquinas as an essential theological figure whose works provide insight into understanding these commandments.

• Emphasis is placed on Aquinas' intellectual contributions to Catholic doctrine; he remains a reliable source for Catholics seeking deeper understanding.

Historical Context of Teaching

• Anecdote shared about Saint Thomas preaching in Naples during Lent illustrates his commitment to educating people about moral teachings.

Predicación de Santo Tomás sobre el Décimo Mandamiento

Contexto de la Predicación

• La predicación se realizaba en plazas públicas, como en Nápoles, y no en iglesias, debido a las prácticas religiosas de la época que requerían ayuno antes de la misa.

• Los predicadores eran figuras importantes que atraían a grandes multitudes para escuchar sus sermones, ya que había menos distracciones comparado con hoy.

Importancia del Mensaje

• Se destaca la necesidad de fomentar la lectura entre los jóvenes y alejarlos de las distracciones modernas como los teléfonos celulares.

• El texto discutido es una interpretación de Santo Tomás sobre el décimo mandamiento, enfatizando su base bíblica.

Ley Divina vs. Ley Humana

• Santo Tomás diferencia entre la ley divina, que juzga tanto acciones como pensamientos, y la ley humana, que solo considera actos externos.

• En catequesis se enseña que Dios ve todos nuestros pensamientos, lo cual resalta la profundidad del juicio divino.

Reflexiones sobre Codicia

• La codicia y la avaricia son consideradas pecados internos; el deseo por lo ajeno afecta más al corazón humano que las acciones externas.

• El mandamiento "no codiciarás" implica no solo abstenerse de robar sino también evitar desear lo que pertenece a otros.

Naturaleza Infinita de la Codicia

• La codicia es descrita como infinita; siempre hay un deseo por más, similar a un burro persiguiendo una zanahoria inalcanzable.

• Según Santo Tomás, el corazón humano está diseñado para buscar a Dios y no puede encontrar satisfacción en bienes materiales.

Consecuencias Espirituales y Morales

• La codicia interfiere con nuestra paz interior; los codiciosos viven ansiosos por adquirir o proteger lo que tienen.

The Root of All Evils: Understanding Greed

Theological Foundations of Greed

• Santo Tomás cites the Apostle Paul, stating that greed is the root of all evils, as referenced in 1 Timothy. This foundational idea links greed to various moral failings such as murder and theft.

• The text emphasizes that those who desire wealth fall into temptations and harmful desires, leading to ruin and destruction. Greed is identified as a significant source of these issues.

Nature of Sin and Greed

• Greed is classified as a mortal sin because it undermines charity. While there may be mitigating factors, it can lead one to commit venial sins before escalating to more severe transgressions.

• The speaker encourages engagement with the works of Santo Tomás, suggesting that understanding his texts is accessible even for those not highly educated in theology or philosophy.

Commandments Related to Coveting

• A summary of the Tenth Commandment states "You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment encapsulates the essence of greed and its implications on interpersonal relationships.

• The Catechism elaborates on this commandment by explaining that desiring another's possessions—be they material or spiritual—can lead to disordered appetites stemming from original sin.

Human Nature and Material Needs

• After original sin, human instincts became disordered; thus, individuals must work towards virtue through grace to realign their appetites appropriately.

• The Tenth Commandment warns against coveting others' goods, urging individuals to correct their greedy tendencies which threaten charity.

Understanding Avarice

• Avarice is defined as an excessive desire for earthly possessions. It highlights the need for moderation in material pursuits since humans are both body and soul—a union essential for understanding our nature.

• The speaker refutes Platonic views by asserting that humans are not merely souls inhabiting bodies but rather a substantial unity where both elements coexist meaningfully.

Moderation vs. Excessive Desire

• Humans require material goods for survival (food, clothing), but problems arise when there’s a lack of moderation in acquiring these necessities.

• Jesus warns against serving both God and money; avarice stems from an immoderate passion for wealth rather than a healthy ambition for economic improvement or success.

Conclusion on Desires

• It’s acceptable to admire others’ successes without falling into envy or greed; however, true avarice arises when one places undue importance on material wealth over spiritual values.

The Dangers of Greed and Envy

The Concept of Wealth and Desire

• The discussion begins with the idea that desiring wealth, like a neighbor's vehicle, is not inherently sinful; however, it emphasizes the importance of not letting one's heart be consumed by riches.

• A reference to the Greek myth of King Midas illustrates extreme greed. Midas wishes for everything he touches to turn to gold, showcasing how unchecked desire can lead to dire consequences.

Consequences of Greed

• As Midas realizes his wish turns into a curse when he cannot eat or enjoy life’s simple pleasures, it highlights that true fulfillment lies beyond material wealth.

• The narrative stresses that many wealthy individuals continue to act out of a desire for power rather than mere financial gain, indicating a deeper human pursuit behind materialism.

Balancing Material Desires

• It is acceptable to aspire for better economic status; striving for improvement is not equated with materialism. However, prioritizing wealth above all else leads to neglecting essential responsibilities like family education.

• The speaker warns against excessive focus on material possessions at the expense of nurturing relationships and values in family life.

Envy as a Sin

• The tenth commandment also addresses envy as a sin against charity. An example from the Old Testament illustrates how envy can lead one to commit grave injustices.

• The story of David and Bathsheba exemplifies how envy drove King David to orchestrate Uriah's death out of jealousy for his wife.

Understanding Envy's Impact

• Envy is described as a capital sin because it opens doors to further wrongdoing. It manifests as sadness over another's good fortune and an unhealthy desire for what others possess.

• This negative emotion breeds various vices such as hatred and calumny, ultimately leading one away from love and charity towards others.

Cultivating Benevolence Against Envy

• To combat envy, one must practice benevolence—seeking the good in others rather than resenting their successes.

Understanding the Tenth Commandment: Do Not Covet

The Importance of Rejoicing in Others' Progress

• San Átomos emphasizes the joy in seeing God glorified through the progress of others, suggesting that one should celebrate their brother's achievements rather than feel envy.

• The speaker argues against feeling miserable when comparing one's life to another's, particularly in spiritual or marital contexts, advocating for a positive outlook on others' successes.

Spiritual Wealth vs. Material Wealth

• The discussion highlights that God grants different gifts to individuals and warns against coveting both spiritual and material possessions.

• It is noted that true wealth lies in purity of intention and heart, as Jesus encourages prioritizing Him over worldly possessions.

Biblical Examples of Detachment from Wealth

• A reference is made to the story of the rich young ruler who struggles with detachment from his wealth when asked by Jesus to sell all he has and follow Him.

• The widow’s offering is presented as an example of true generosity despite her poverty, illustrating that giving comes from the heart rather than abundance.

Challenges for the Rich

• Jesus teaches that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter heaven, emphasizing the difficulty wealth can create in spiritual matters.

• Clarification is provided regarding this metaphor; it refers not only to physical riches but also to emotional attachments tied to those riches.

The Call for Generosity and Humility

• To enter heaven, one must be willing to let go of material attachments; it's not just about selling possessions but having a heart free from greed.

• Those with wealth are encouraged to practice charity (limosna), which can help atone for sins during their lifetime.

Final Reflections on Poverty and Spirituality

• The speaker reflects on how death equalizes everyone regardless of wealth, reinforcing that no one takes material goods beyond this life.

• Misinterpretations about poverty leading directly to salvation are addressed; both rich and poor can find grace depending on their actions and intentions towards wealth.

Conclusion and Blessing

• A reminder is given about supporting content creators by liking or sharing videos as a means of spreading knowledge.