"OM"and the Second Commandment

03/10/2021 • View profile

It is truly distressing to see so many Catholics who continue to use the Lord's name in vain. The acronym OM_ is a huge case in point, and something that most of us probably do not associate with breakage of the second commandment, but oh, it certainly is.

According to Dummies.com, this is the definition of the Second Commandment:

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”

The faithful are required to honor the name of God. It makes sense that if you’re to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then you’re naturally to respect the name of God with equal passion and vigor.

I would imagine that most of us would agree that the "om_" acronym, which is both popular and trendy, does, in no way honor God. This is probably the most popular abuse of the Lord's name, yet many abuse Him in other ways as well.

I come into contact with quite a few people who profess their faithfulness to God, yet continuously use the second person of the Trinity's name as an expletive. This is so terrible, and so distressing. We have become so lax and so irreverent, that even the name of Jesus, the name above any other name and the name that commands we all bow before, even those under the earth, has become a favorite expletive, even among those viewing themselves as faithful Christians.

I have known priests who use the GD cuss word, or just shout out to God in ways that are more curse than blessing all the time.

Many probably think that I am being too picky, and that these types of behaviors and words are no big deal, the intentions are not blasphemous or an apostasy in any way; if you are in that camp, please hear me out and consider my position on this. I doubt most of us would think to use the name of any of our loved ones as a cuss word would we? Would we use our mother's or daughter's name or title as a groan and demonstration of frustration, anger or rage? If the answer is no, then why would we use any of the names used to define and reference God Almighty in that way? God's name so revered in the Jewish language that it's pronouncement or utterance is forbidden even in prayer?

We need to remember, who we are referencing, just as when we enter the Church sanctuary, who we are approaching: the Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent Creator of the Universe. The One who created us and every single thing in existence. The One who has all the power, all the might, and all the authority over everything that exists, has existed, and will exist. Yep, our God is a pretty big deal, the BIGGEST!

Using our Lord's name in vain and as a profanity demonstrates how we approach Him in our lives. If we are ignoring this commandment, which he demands that we obey to be in right relationship with hHm, then how can we ever begin to develop a meaningfully deep and personal relationship? It is a sin so disordered, and it is a huge deal. It is something we should and would avoid at all costs if we truly love and honor God.

The fact that so many supposedly faithful people demonstrate this behavior is symptomatic of the illness and degeneration we see in our Creed, in the Breaking of the Bread at Mass and in our prayer habits. It demonstrates Satan's effective power and influence over us. It is at the very core of why we are where we are right now as a nation, and world. Why so many are turning to Satan and turning away from God. It is a subtle apostasy, that creeps slowly in and chips away at the awe or allegiance we owe God. It is a betrayal that leads us to the brink of total destruction. As the depth and zeal for true communion and union with God has been replaced by social justice, fellowship and community, our reverence and approach has become superficial and plastic, and the result of this we see all around us.

It is a pretty simple step, and a step we have total control over. It might be a difficult habit to break, but a very noble and important repentance for Lent. It is an efficacious effort that will truly lead us to a more dynamic and virtuous life with our Lord. After all, being a Christian means we reflect, pronounce, and hopefully magnify the name of Christ, not profane, defame and vilify it.

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About the Author

Lorrie McNickle

I am a wife and mother of two grown sons. Although I am Cradle Catholic, I experienced a profound reversion to the True faith several years ago that motivated and inspired me to dive more deeply into an understanding of the Church and Her teachings, and why She has these teachings and where they come from. Surprisingly, for me, the more I read and discovered, the deeper my love of the Catholic Church and her teachings became. This certainly is a journey that doesn't end, and so as I uncover more amazing facts about our Faith and Church, I just can't help but want to share what I'm learning. So, I began writing for Catholic 365.

I have recently served for a year and a half as the Executive Director of a very active and busy Crisis Pregnancy Center on the West side of Cincinnati. God is so good and does answers prayers, even though He knows at times, we have no idea what we are asking for. The pro life cause is paramount to our times, I am so honored and humbled to have had the experience and opportunity to serve women and the unborn in this capacity! I am also very grateful to God, for allowing me to see for myself, that perhaps such a calling was not His long term plan for me. We go where God seeminly calls us, and for me, that was a return to corporate America. I currently work as a recruiter and sales onboarding specialist where I am helping a Franchising company open and support small businesses that serve seniors and the elderly, giving them opportunities to age in place and live thier final chapters with dignity. It is the other end of the pro life spectrum and such an amazing endeavor!

I love being able to share this great faith of ours and use this platform as a way to express my deep love and devotion to our Lord. We need each other, and this effort has truly become a wonderful way to connect with all of you- my brothers and sisters in Christ!

"OM"and the Second Commandment

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