In his catechesis at the General Audience, Holy Father Pope Francis said that the Commandments establish a dialogue between us and God, and set us on the path towards freedom. The Pontiff while addressing the pilgrims gathered at St. Peter’s Square continued his reflection on the Commandments, calling them “Ten Words for living the Covenant”. The Scriptures (Exodus 20:1), he said, do not call them “Commandments” but says “God spoke all these words.”
As reported by en.radiovaticannews.va, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “ A command doesn’t require a dialogue. The word, however, is an essential means for a relationship based on dialogue. God the Father creates through his word, and the Son is the Word made flesh. Love feeds on words, as does education or collaboration.” Further, His Holiness added, “In giving the Ten Words or Commandments, God continues his covenantal dialogue with His people, inviting them and us to shape our lives in a loving relationship with the Trinity. The Commandments are a dialogue. The difference is not artificial. The Tempter in the Book of Genesis tries to convince the man and the woman that God is a despot demanding blind obedience. But God is a Father that loves us all and is concerned for the welfare of His children.”
His Holiness Pope Francis concluded his catechesis by reminding that “The commandments, are the path towards freedom, because they are the Father’s word, which makes us free to walk this path… with the heart of sons and daughters.”
