A Positive Spin...

I got this idea last Saturday during our monthly Oblate meeting. [I LOVE our Oblates! I love them as unique people of faith and as the ambassadors of Saint Benedict in the world.] Somewhere in our time together, I wondered how we might respond to the "10 Commandments" if they were interpreted positively. I don't think we are like children who often want to do exactly the thing that has been prohibited, rather, I think adult faith demands a stance of blessing - the acceptance that GOD's wisdom is for our good. If we want to be happy we will observe these commandments. If do not observe them there is considerable misery. It's that simple, really. One path is peace and the other is angst of being out of sorts with GOD. [The gift of Reconciliation returns the heart to the place of original blessing, but if we could embrace the goodness of these ten words from GOD, we might find ourselves in the path of peace more often than not.] So, with that goal in mind, I have taken great liberties with the Word of GOD. I hope reframing the Decalogue as gift and not some list of "thou shalt not's" will be helpful to some.

Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki

1. I am the LORD your God:
you shall not have
strange Gods before me.
1+ Make GOD first in your life. Nothing else can give you real joy.

2. You shall not take
the name of the LORD your God in vain.
2+ GOD’s name is holy. Use it only when you pray and its power will bring you peace.

3. Remember to keep holy the LORD'S Day.
3+ Choose carefully what you do on Sunday and your family will grow closer to GOD and to each other.

4. Honor your father and your mother.
4+ Take care of your aging parents, as best you can, and you will understand the burden and blessing of unconditional love.

5. You shall not kill.
5+ Choose life always – even when it is hard - and you will know its fullness in your own.

6. You shall not commit adultery.
6+ Stay with your husband or wife and you will know the peace that comes from fidelity.

7. You shall not steal.
7+ Desire for things or ideas that belong to someone else can lead to mutual suffering so be attentive when you feel envious.

8. You shall not bear false witness
against your neighbor.
8+Tell the truth and you will never feel the shame of telling a lie.

9. You shall not covet
your neighbor's wife.
9+ Delight in the desire you have for your spouse and you will not want what is sacred to another relationship.

10. You shall not covet
your neighbor's goods.
10+ Be happy with what you have and you will not long for what belongs to someone else.