THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT You shall not kill. (54)You have heard
that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill: and
whoever kills shall be liable to judgement.' But I say to you
that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to
judgement. (55) 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.' (56) 1.
Respect for Human LifeThe witness of sacred history2259 In the
account of Abel's murder by his brother Cain, (57) Scripture
reveals the presence of anger and envy in man, consequences of
original sin, from the beginning of human history. Man has
become the enemy of his fellow man. God declares the wickedness
of this fratricide: 'What have you done? The voice of your
brother's blood is crying to