Matthew 9, 1-13 + CSDC and CV

(CV 12b) It is one thing to draw attention to the particular characteristics of one Encyclical or another, of the teaching of one Pope or another, but quite another to lose sight of the coherence of the overall doctrinal corpus [21]. Coherence does not mean a closed system: on the contrary, it means dynamic faithfulness to a light received. The Church's social doctrine illuminates with an unchanging light the new problems that are constantly emerging [22]. This safeguards the permanent and historical character of the doctrinal “patrimony”[23] which, with its specific characteristics, is part and parcel of the Church's ever-living Tradition[24].

Notes: [21] Cf. ibid., 1: loc. cit., 513-514.[22] Cf. ibid., 3: loc. cit., 515. [23] Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Laborem Exercens (14 September 1981), 3: AAS 73 (1981), 583-584. [24] Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, 3: loc. cit., 794-796.

With her social doctrine the Church aims “at helping man on the path of salvation

CSDC 69. With her social doctrine, the Church aims “at helping man on the path of salvation”[94]. This is her primary and sole purpose. There is no intention to usurp or invade the duties of others or to neglect her own; nor is there any thought of pursuing objectives that are foreign to her mission. This mission serves to give an overall shape to the Church's right and at the same time her duty to develop a social doctrine of her own and to influence society and societal structures with it by means of the responsibility and tasks to which it gives rise. 

Notes: [94] John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, 54: AAS 83 (1991), 860.

(Mt 9, 1-13) True peace is made possible only through forgiveness and reconciliation

[1] He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. [2] And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." [3] At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." [4] Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? [5] Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? [6] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"  - he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." [7] He rose and went home. [8] When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings. [9] As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. [10] While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. [11] The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" [12] He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. [13] Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

CSDC 517. The Church teaches that true peace is made possible only through forgiveness and reconciliation.[1092] It is not easy to forgive when faced with the consequences of war and conflict because violence, especially when it leads “to the very depths of inhumanity and suffering”,[1093] leaves behind a heavy burden of pain. This pain can only be eased by a deep, faithful and courageous reflection on the part of all parties, a reflection capable of facing present difficulties with an attitude that has been purified by repentance. The weight of the past, which cannot be forgotten, can be accepted only when mutual forgiveness is offered and received; this is a long and difficult process, but one that is not impossible[1094].

Notes: [1092] Cf. John Paul II, Message for the 2002 World Day of Peace, 9: AAS 94 (2002), 136-137; John Paul II, Message for the 2004 World Day of Peace, 10: AAS 96 (2004), 121. [1093] John Paul II, Letter on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War (27 August 1989), 2: L'Osservatore Romano, English edition, 4 September 1989, p. 1. [1094] Cf. John Paul II, Message for the 1997 World Day of Peace, 3 and 4: AAS 89 (1997), 193.

[Initials and Abbreviations.- CSDC: Pontifical Council for Justice And Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church; -  SDC: Social Doctrine of the Church; - CV: Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in truth)]