By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Enriching Dinner Conversations with the Commandments

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, May 06, 2024

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines. …

Jesus teaches, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (Jn. 15:14) The Ten Commandments, applied with God’s grace, direct us to salvation and eternal glory. Discussing the Commandments as our firm first principles can even enrich dinner conversations. Maybe.

When we say, “Thou shalt not murder,” we oppose murder by anyone. Killing combatants in a just war is not murder, but targeting civilians is. “Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities of extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and man himself.” (Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, 80) Even if our adversaries refuse to abide by the Commandments, we must obey God.

Are just-war dinner conversations discomforting? Remind agitated friends that most of our wars are over there, not here—at least for now. Except for soldiers—over there—questions of just war are not up close and personal. (“A gin and tonic would be fine, thank you.”) …

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