God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). Jesus did not abolish them but brought them to fulfilment, summarising them in two great commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
The Commandments (catechetical form)
- I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
- Honour your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
- You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods.
Living the Commandments
The first three commandments teach us how to love God: by putting Him first, respecting His holy name and keeping Sunday holy through Mass and rest. The remaining seven teach us how to love our neighbour: respecting family, life, marriage, property, truth and the desires of our hearts. They are not burdens but a path to true freedom and happiness.
Read further: Part Three, Section Two, “The Ten Commandments” (paragraphs 2052–2557) in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican website).