If a person read through all the sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that speak about the Seventh Commandment (paragraphs 2401-2463), there would almost certainly be subjects mentioned that may, at first, seem a bit unusual to be found connected with the commandment forbidding theft. 

 

Take, for example, the four paragraphs dealing with the role of animals in God’s creation and the moral teaching regarding what is seen as appropriate and inappropriate use of animals. Some of these topics I mentioned in a column a few years ago when I wrote about the Fifth Commandment’s prohibition against murder and the Church’s view that killing animals can be justified at times as a part of the dominion over nature that God has given to human beings. (“Thou Shalt Not Kill,” Nov. 13, 2015. This, and other previous columns from The Observer columnists, can be viewed at http://www.observer.rockforddiocese.org">http://www.observer.rockforddiocese.org). 

 

But why would the Church include the use of animals under the Seventh Commandment? The answer is actually related to a part of the Church’s social teaching. Namely, that all of creation is meant for all of humanity. This is sometimes referred to as the universal destination of goods. 

 

It basically reminds us that our use of creation (including of course our use of animals) is not simply to focus on ourselves alone, but rather is to be cognizant of the needs of all the people sharing the world, including those who will one day inhabit the world. 

 

As a part of God’s creation, animals are seen as a reflection of God’s goodness and beauty. Therefore, our use of animals — like the rest of creation and its natural resources — must be done responsibly, ensuring that others may also benefit from them. To misuse them or to be a bad steward of them (or any part of creation) is, in a real sense, a form of stealing. 

 

If my misuse results in someone else not having access to a part of creation that they would otherwise be able to enjoy, then I have acted unjustly toward them — I have “stolen” something that was meant for their benefit as well. 

 

This is not to undermine the Church’s teaching on the legitimacy of private property, etc. Nor must we shy away from using nature’s bounty or feel guilty for doing so. It is simply a reminder that I must use the good things found in creation, in good ways — ways that, while benefitting me and my loved ones, don’t destroy the opportunity for someone else to benefit as well. Balance is necessary.

 

The catechism also mentions another way the Seventh Commandment can be violated involving animals. Namely, when people spend excessive resources on their animals (CCC 2418). This is not to say that pet owners should not take good care of their animals. Not at all. It simply points out that our first priority as Christians is to ensure that we concern ourselves with our brothers and sisters. 

 

If the amount of money we spend on pets prohibits us from being able to help provide for the needs of other humans, then a re-evaluation of priorities is necessary. Jesus’ Commandment to “love our neighbor” certainly need not interfere with loving our pets. However, loving our pets can never be an excuse for failing to carry out Jesus’ command. 

 

It’s perhaps fitting that the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is quickly approaching. Here was a man able to see the interconnectedness and beauty of God’s creation, and the way in which all of creation is a sign of God’s care for us. 

 

He was someone whose love of animals and nature was well renowned, but also one who allowed the love of those things to deepen the love he had for his brothers and sisters, since they alone bore the image and likeness of the One who made creation so beautiful in the first place.