The social teaching of the Church is aimed at building a just society and helping us live lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Over the next week, we will address many of the key elements of this social teaching.
The third pillar on which the social teaching of the Church rests is: the option for preferential treatment of the poor and vulnerable. A basic moral test of our society is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a community marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25, 31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
Let’s remind ourselves that God’s Word teaches that our brothers and sisters are the prolongation of the incarnation for each of us: “As you did it to one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it to me.” (Mt 25, 40) The way we treat others ideally corresponds to the mercy which God has shown us: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you . . . For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Lk 6, 36-38) What these passages make clear is the absolute priority of “going forth from ourselves toward our brothers and sisters” as one of the two great commandments which ground every moral norm and as the clearest sign for discerning spiritual growth in response to God’s completely free gift. (For more, see Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel [Evangelii Gaudium], no. 179)
For our reflection: “Some people are so poor, all they have is money.” Robert Nesta Marley
