A. It is not allowed to pray to the crucifix or images and relics of the
saints, for they have no life, nor power to help us, nor sense to hear
us.

344 Q. Why do we pray before the crucifix and the images and relics of
the saints?
A. We pray before the crucifix and the images and relics of the saints
because they enliven our devotion by exciting pious affections and
desires, and by reminding us of Christ and of the saints, that we may
imitate their virtues.

Lesson 32
FROM THE SECOND TO THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

345 Q. What is the Second Commandment?
A. The Second Commandment is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thy God in vain.

"In vain"--that is, without necessity.

346 Q. What are we commanded by the Second Commandment?
A. We are commanded by the Second Commandment to speak with reverence of
God and of the saints, and of all holy things, and to keep our lawful
oaths and vows.

A very common sin against this Commandment is to use the words and
sayings of Holy Scripture in a worldly or bad sense. The Church forbids
us to use the words and sayings of Holy Scripture to convey any meaning
but the one God intended them to convey, or at least to use them in any
but a sacred sense.

347 Q. What is an oath?
A. An oath is the calling upon God to witness the truth of what we say.

We declare a thing to be so or not, and call God to be our witness that
we are speaking truly. This is one of the most solemn acts that men can
perform in the presence of their fellowman. All the nations of the earth
regard an oath as a most sacred thing, and one who swears falsely is the
vilest of men--a perjurer. God is infinite truth and hates lies. What a
frightful thing then to call Him to sanction a lie!

*348 Q. When may we take an oath?
A. We may take an oath when it is ordered by lawful authority or
required for God's honor or for our own or our neighbor's good.

An oath is generally taken in a court of law when the judge wishes to
find out the truth of the case. We may be a witness against one who is
guilty, or in defense of an innocent person, and in such cases a lie
would have most evil consequences. The judge has a right, therefore, to
make us take an oath that we will testify truly. Officers of the law,
magistrates, judges, etc., take an oath when entering upon their duties
that they will perform them faithfully.

*349 Q. What is necessary to make an oath lawful?
A. To make an oath lawful it is necessary