Taking the Lords name in vain

[Sanctifiable]

My problem is that when I’m around people I work with every so often they take the Lords name in vain. It bothers me greatly that they do this but to my detriment I say nothing. I’m not a speak up kind of person but I’m going to start. Every time someone does this I’m going to point out they’re breaking the 2nd commandment and its a mortal sin and it offends me. What are some tactful ways to point this out to people? Any suggestions? Is it a mortal sin that I don’t speak up ? I know the Lord says if you don’t speak for me I won’t speak for you in front of the Father. I confessed this to a priest once and he told me no matter what I say the person is still going to go around saying it. He kind of blew it off. I disagree…its a teachable moment and wrong not to say anything. Any help appreciated.

 

[Musicadmirer]

You must say something. I am also highly offended and actually flinch when I hear such blasphemy. If I had to deal with someone who was saying that on a semi-regular basis, you better believe I’d call them out on it. We don’t have to accept being subjected to such immoral speech. God wants us all to have both moral and spiritual courage.

 

[MichelleByrne]

My boss at work does this daily, I don’t even think he’s aware how often he says it. Yet I don’t say anything, we don’t talk to each other at all. I don’t think he would change either. I thought about writing anonymously to him.

 

[cmscms]

First of all, I want to point out that God knows how much you NEED your job. Especially in this recession. He will forgive you and be understanding.

The sad truth is, doing the right thing can cause you a LOT of enemies and when it is time to let someone go, the one who causes the problems (ie the one who speaks up) is let go first. I am talking from experience. Once I made a complaint against sexual harrasment and I was fired.

So I would be VERY careful in what I say. To tell someone who is secualr and has no use for the catholic religiong that they are breaking the 2nd commandement will make you look like a stuffy silly goodie 2 shoes.

I think you need to try a different approach. I would say in a soft polite tone of voice something like 'I know different people see things differently. I was wondering if I could ask you a favour. When I am around, could you please not say (fill in the blank), I find it a little offensive. That way, you can feel good that you spoke up. Also, the other person does not feel you are pushing your morals on him. He will feel you simply would prefer he take that language elsewhere.

My suggestion may not work. But it will definetly create less enemies

CM

 

[PAboy57]

At some point we all must make a decision whether we are going to stand up for Jesus and tell someone you don’t appreciate that language. I know you do not have to listen to this in the work place. You don’t have to tollerate any swearing of any kind.

If your boss is speaking to you in language you find offensive you need to call them on it. You do not have to take that nonsense. Employees should be talked with properly period.

I have a similar situation only this is my very older dad. he is catholic and doesn’t even realize he is saying it. It just comes out as part of his vocabulary. i have called him on it over and over and it won’t sink in. I pray for him so he will change. The bad part is 5 years ago I didn’t care and was just like most not paying attention to our faith. So his comeback was you used to not say anything??? But that doesn’t make it right! So back to praying as I’m not going to throw an old man out on the street.

I say this prayer I found in The Pieta Prayer Book (a little blue booklet)

The Golden Arrow Prayer

MAY the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified, in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.

It says this prayer was revealed by our Lord to a Carmelite Num, Sr. Mary of St. Peter of Tours in 1843. “This Golden Arrow will wound My Heart delightfully,” He said, “and heal the wounds inflicted by blasphemy.”

I don’t know how true it is but it is a lovely prayer IMHO. It is at least some way to help make up for the sin. And I agree that we should be somewhat polite about this when asking someone not to use that language when I’m around as I find it offensive.

May our Lord guide you and all of us on this on this matter.

 

[Zooey]

My grandmother’s dear Catholic friend Theresa always did this:
whenever anybody used the Lord’s Name in vain in her presence…She taught her children to do the same.
It is amazing how fast the language often cleans up, when folks are aware that you are using it as an occasion for prayer.:yup:
And these folks do really:sad_yes: need our prayers!!:byzsoc:

 

[drforjc]

I would like to point out that often, it is not a mortal sin, especially if it is thoughtlessly uttered without the intention of offending God.

If the intention is to be purposefully disrespectful of God, I would say that it is likely grave matter in that case.

My moral theology textbooks all pretty much agree on this.

 

[catholicwriter2]

As much as I agree with you and see where you are coming from I don’t think there is much you can do other then to tell them that they are offending you by using profanity. If they aren’t Catholic I’m pretty sure your Second Commandment argument will not have much of an influence on their decision to take the Lord’s name in vain. I would just try to block it out because I get the feeling this issue is not going to be resolved by you speaking up and telling them how you feel. Sorry to be blunt, but that is just how it is.

 

[PAboy57]

agree Catholic Writer concerning non-Catholics. Doesn’t mean much and they probably don’t care. what a shame they still use the name.

Peace to all of you.

 

[Sanctifiable]

Well today it happened. I was at work and this guy who is in maintenance first starts saying the Lords name in vain while working on a big mixer while he was having problems, it wasn’t a good place to say something because the mixer was real loud so I walked away. Then out at my truck he was referring to his boss as “Jesus”. So I walked over and put my arm around him and said “Jack were good friends but please don’t use my Lords name in vain, then I told him I’m a very serious Catholic”. He then got a little defensive and said he was sorry and explained why he used the reference. We just went back to work but he did seem taken aback by it…I think I got him thinking. After that everything seemed fine…It felt good to do it though. I might add I was diplomatic in how I did it too and he is a good friend so I will pray for him…I will tell anyone else who does this because it felt right…I felt way better saying something then when I did when I didn’t plus I got him thinking and maybe he won’t sin in this way or at least he will think about it.