Day 321: Offenses Against Truth

False witness and perjury. When it is made publicly, a statement contrary to the truth takes on a particular gravity. In court, it becomes false witness. When it is under oath, it is perjury. Acts such as these contribute to the condemnation of the innocent, exoneration of the guilty, or the increased punishment of the accused. They gravely compromise the exercise of justice and the fairness of judicial decisions. CCC 2476

In today's reading, the Catechism delves into the heart of the Eighth Commandment, which pertains to actions or inactions that "bear false witness against your neighbor" (Ex 20:16). I'm reminded of the scene from the 1966 movie A Man for All Seasons, wherein Sir Richard Rich perjures himself against St. Thomas More, which leads to the latter's condemnation to death after quietly rebuking him by saying, "Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... but for Wales?" One of my favorite classic movies, with a powerful tale of the Saint's martyrdom and a lesson for us all about what breaking this commandment can lead to. Christ Himself was the victim of perjury, as told in the Gospels (Mt 26:59-61). Perjury is a grave sin condemned again and again throughout Scripture, for "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord" (Pr 12:22). One shouldn't deceive themselves, for breaking this commandment will bring damnation if unrepented, especially if by one's lie others are harmed or killed. 

The Catechism Compendium summarizes what is forbidden by the Eighth Commandment:

• false witness, perjury, and lying, the gravity of which is measured by the truth it deforms, the circumstances, the intentions of the one who lies, and the harm suffered by its victims;
• rash judgment, slander, defamation, and calumny, which diminish or destroy the good reputation and honor to which every person has a right;
• flattery, adulation, or complaisance, especially if directed to serious sins or toward the achievement of illicit advantages.

A sin committed against truth demands reparation if it has caused harm to others. (#523)