The Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.” (Exodus 20:17)
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Слава Ісусу Христу!
Dear Brother Knights,
July in Alberta is a month of abundance. The fields are green and growing, gardens are
producing, and apples, cherries, saskatoons, and other fruit are steadily ripening toward harvest.
Farmers watch their crops with hope, trusting God for timely rains and warm sunshine. Along
our lakes and rivers, fishermen rise early and stay out late, enjoying some of the finest days of
the season. Families travel, campgrounds are full, children enjoy their summer freedom, and
many gather with relatives and friends around campfires, picnic tables, and Parish celebrations.
The long summer evenings continue to bless us, inviting us to spend more time outdoors with
family and friends. Yet after reaching their peak in June, the days are now quietly becoming
shorter. At first it is hardly noticeable, only a minute or two here and there, but by the end of the
month dusk arrives a little earlier than before. Creation gently reminds us that every season has
its purpose. Spring gives way to summer, growth moves toward harvest, and time continues
forward according to God’s plan.
This quiet change in nature offers a spiritual lesson. We often wish to hold onto what we have, to
make good times last forever, or to seek more than what has already been given to us. Yet God’s
wisdom teaches us gratitude rather than grasping, contentment rather than comparison, and trust
rather than anxiety.
It is here that the Tenth Commandment speaks directly to the heart.
The commandment teaches us not to covet what belongs to another. More deeply, it invites us to
be grateful for what God has entrusted to us. While the Ninth Commandment focuses on purity
of heart regarding persons and relationships, the Tenth Commandment addresses our relationship
with possessions and the temptation toward envy, greed, and unhealthy comparison.
The Eastern Christian tradition often speaks about the struggle against the passions; those desires
that slowly take control of our hearts and rob us of peace. Covetousness is one of those passions.
The problem is not that another person has been blessed. The problem begins when we stop
being thankful for our own blessings.
A fisherman learns this lesson quickly. One boat may catch its limit while another catches only a
few fish. One angler discovers the perfect spot while another spends hours searching. If we
spend all day watching someone else’s boat, we miss the beauty of the lake around us and the
blessings already present in our own boat.
The same is true in farming. A farmer who constantly looks at the neighboring field may forget
to care for his own. God asks each of us to be faithful stewards of the field He has entrusted to
us. The Christian life is not a competition; it is a calling.
We continue during July to live in the grace of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit helps us overcome
envy and restlessness by filling us with His gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude,
knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. From these gifts grow the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Notice how many of these fruits cannot coexist with envy. A grateful heart becomes a peaceful
heart. A peaceful heart becomes a joyful heart. And a joyful heart becomes a generous heart.
The Eucharist teaches us this lesson every time we approach the Lord’s Table. Christ gives
Himself completely to us. When we recognize that Christ Himself is our greatest treasure, other
possessions begin to find their proper place.
Although July does not contain major universal feasts, it is rich with important commemorations
for Ukrainian Christians. On July 2nd, we remember the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of
God, reminding us of her loving protection over the Church. On July 11th, we celebrate Saint
Olga, whose wisdom prepared the way for Christianity in Kyivan Rus’. On July 15th, we honor
Saint Volodymyr the Great, who brought the light of Baptism and the Christian faith to our
people. On July 20th, we celebrate the holy Prophet Elijah, a powerful witness of courage,
prayer, and trust in God. On July 25th, we commemorate the Dormition of Saint Anna, mother of
the Mother of God and a model of faithful family life. We also honor Saints Boris and Hlib, the
first martyrs of Kyivan Rus’, who chose faithfulness, forgiveness, and peace over violence and
power.
These saints remind us that true greatness is not measured by what a person possesses, but by
faithfulness to God.
As Brother Knights, let us use this summer season to grow in gratitude. Thank God each day for
your family, your health, your work, your Parish, and even the simple blessings we often take for
granted. Spend time outdoors appreciating God’s creation. Pray daily for the Gifts and Fruits of
the Holy Spirit. Approach Confession and the Eucharist regularly. When you see the blessings of
another person, thank God for them rather than comparing them to your own.
Please pray for me, as I pray for you, my Brothers.
Together, in the same boat of faith, let us cultivate grateful hearts, trust in God’s providence, and
rejoice in the blessings He has given us. For true wealth is not measured by what we own, but by
our faith, our families, our friendships, and our relationship with Christ.
May the Lord bless your families, your travels, your fishing, your work, and your summer
gatherings.
Vivat Jesus!
— Fr. Slavko Dumeč
State Chaplain
Alberta-Northwest Territories
Knights of Columbus
State Chaplain, Alberta & Northwest Territories (Knights of Columbus)
