The Faith We Live

"The word "Decalogue" means literally "ten words." God revealed these "ten words" to his people on the holy mountain. They were written "with the finger of God," unlike the other commandments written by Moses. They are pre-eminently the words of God. They are handed on to us in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy...The Ten Commandments state what is required in the love of God and love of neighbor. The first three concern love of God, and the other seven love of neighbor."  -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2056; 2067

The 10 commandments are moral laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-21). They are summarized into two great commandments, namely, the love and true worship of God, and the love and justice due our neighbor. They are an expression of God's covenant with his chosen people and his will for them to live faithfully and uprightly as his community.

The 10 Commandments

1. I am the Lord you God. You shall not have strange gods before me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

Sources:

• Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2056;2067
• De Guzman C. SThD. (2006) The Faith Enumerated. Pasay, Philippines: Daughters of St. Paul.