413. How are we to view social inequalities? (part 1)
(Comp 413) There are sinful social and
economic inequalities which affect millions of human beings. These inequalities
are in open contradiction to the Gospel and are contrary to justice, to the
dignity of persons, and to peace. There are , however, differences among people
caused by various factors which enter into the plan of God. Indeed, God wills
that each might receive what he or she needs from others and that those endowed
with particular talents should share them with others. Such differences
encourage and often oblige people to the practice of generosity, kindness and
the sharing of goods. They also foster the mutual enrichment of cultures.
“In brief”
(CCC 1946) The differences among persons belong to God's
plan, who wills that we should need one another. These differences should
encourage charity.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1936) On coming into the world, man is not equipped
with everything he needs for developing his bodily and spiritual life. He needs
others. Differences appear tied to age, physical abilities, intellectual or
moral aptitudes, the benefits derived from social commerce, and the
distribution of wealth (Cf. GS 29 § 2). The "talents" are not
distributed equally (Cf. Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:11-27).
Reflection
(CCC 1937) These differences belong to God's plan, who wills
that each receive what he needs from others, and that those endowed with
particular "talents" share the benefits with those who need them.
These differences encourage and often oblige persons to practice generosity,
kindness, and sharing of goods; they foster the mutual enrichment of cultures:
I distribute the virtues quite diversely; I do not give all of them to each person,
but some to one, some to others.... I shall give principally charity to one;
justice to another; humility to this one, a living faith to that one.... And so
I have given many gifts and graces, both spiritual and temporal, with such
diversity that I have not given everything to one single person, so that you
may be constrained to practice charity towards one another.... I have willed
that one should need another and that all should be my ministers in
distributing the graces and gifts they have received from me (St. Catherine of
Siena, Dial. I, 7). [IT CONTINUES]
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