Dictionary

A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

Search:

Or browse the dictionary by selecting a letter!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

PRECEPTS OF CHARITY

The two great commandments of divine revelation, first stated in the Old Law and confirmed by Christ in the Gospels. They are: 1. "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength"; and 2. "You must love your neighbor as yourself" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:30-31). The phrase "with all your mind" is Christ's addition to the teaching of the Old Testament, as well as the observation that "there is no greater commandment than these" (Mark 12:31).

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Think with the Catholic Leaders: Subscribe to Catholic Culture Insights Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8