Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 378 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 378 – Part I. Why is it not permissible to take one’s own life or the lives of others?

(Youcat answer) God alone is Lord over life and death. Except in the case of legitimate self-defense of oneself or another, no one may kill another human being.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2258) "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being" (CDF, instruction,  Donum vitae, intro. 5).      

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) An attack on life is a sacrilege committed against God. Human life is sacred; this means that it belongs to God; it is his property. Even our own life is only entrusted to us. God himself has given us the gift of life; only he may take it back from us. The Book of Exodus, translated literally, says “You shall not murder” (Ex 20:13).

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2262) In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord recalls the commandment, "You shall not kill" (Mt 5:21) and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance. Going further, Christ asks his disciples to turn the other cheek, to love their enemies (Cf. Mt 5:22-39; 5:44). He did not defend himself and told Peter to leave his sword in its sheath (Cf. Mt 26:52).    

(This question: Why is it not permissible to take one’s own life or the lives of others? is continued)