Before taking a break from posting here last week, we made reference to the Church’s social teaching and how it is a rich treasure of wisdom. 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. First: the Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from a variety of things, especially abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is also being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks, as yet another example, is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war.
The Church reminds us in her social teaching that nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every social institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
Next: the Call to Family, Community, and Participation.
Let us pray. “Come, O Holy Spirit! Come, open us to the wonder, beauty, and dignity of the diversity found in each place, in each face, and in each experience we have in life. Come, heal the divisions that keep us from seeing the face of Christ in all men, women, and children. Come, bring us understanding, inspiration, wisdom, and the courage needed to embrace conversion of our minds and hearts. Stay with us on the journey of life. Come, O Holy Spirit, show us the way. Amen.”
