Day 278: The Second Commandment

The second commandment forbids the abuse of God's name, i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ, but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints. CCC 2146

In today's reading, the Catechism introduces the Second Commandment. The name of God is so holy that "you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" (Ex 20:7). I confess to struggling with this at times. Having worked in blue-collar jobs for nearly 20 years, where the abuse of God's name was common to express anger or frustration, it's difficult at times to forget that manner of speech when similar situations arise. That's still no excuse, but I do try my best now. If the omnipresent God were standing in visible form in front of me, taking His name in vain like this wouldn't even occur to me, no matter what situation arose. Remembering that has proven to be a challenge at times. 

Promises made to others or oaths sworn in God's name risk contravening the respect owed to Him if our intentions are not honorable or if we fail to keep them (CCC 2147 & 49). Certainly, they can be a poor witness for Christ to others!  Lastly, blasphemy, or "words of hatred, reproach, or defiance [or] speaking ill of God" (CCC 2148), is a grave sin against God (Jas 2:7). 

The Catechism Compendium summarizes how to respect the holiness of the Name of God:

One shows respect for the holy Name of God by blessing it, praising it, and glorifying it. It is forbidden, therefore, to call on the Name of God to justify a crime. It is also wrong to use the holy Name of God in any improper way, as in blasphemy (which by its nature is a grave sin), curses, and unfaithfulness to promises made in the Name of God. (#447)

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

God has revealed his sacred name. And he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. When we utter the name of Jesus, he is present, and his presence is his power. If we truly have fear of and respect for the Lord, we would never utter the sacred name of Jesus carelessly. Misusing God's name in oaths, even unintentionally, reflects a lack of respect for the Lord. Speaking God's name should convey reverence and fear of offending him... In some cultures, sharing your name is an act of vulnerability: it is seen as giving others power over you. (p. 72)

Finally, Fr. Mike Schmitz has a great video on this: