Different Life: 3rd CommandmentSample

You’ll find the 10 Commandments in two places. The first is Exodus 20. The second is Deuteronomy 5. At first glance, they seem identical. But here, on the third commandment, they’re different. Again, it’s worth repeating in full: "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day” (Deut 5:12-15 NIV).

Look at the difference. Exodus 20 says we should rest as God rested at creation. Deuteronomy draws out a different significance. Rest because you are no longer slaves.

Slaves get no rest. They are human chattel. They live to work and exist as nothing more than a tool for someone else’s gain. God’s way is different. He rescues slaves. People should not live to work. Nor should we treat others that way. Not even the animals.

We might not be owned or controlled by another, but how often are we guilty of enslaving ourselves to work, pursuing success, or getting ahead? The Catechism of the Catholic Church may say it best: “The sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides a respite. It is a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money” (para 2172).

The Sabbath reminds us we are no longer slaves. So, let’s not live that way.