Matthew 20, 7-16 + CSDC and CV

Matthew 20, 7-16 + CSDC and CV  

(CV 30b) Knowledge is never purely the work of the intellect. It can certainly be reduced to calculation and experiment, but if it aspires to be wisdom capable of directing man in the light of his first beginnings and his final ends, it must be “seasoned” with the “salt” of charity. Deeds without knowledge are blind, and knowledge without love is sterile. Indeed, “the individual who is animated by true charity labours skilfully to discover the causes of misery, to find the means to combat it, to overcome it resolutely”[75]. Faced with the phenomena that lie before us, charity in truth requires first of all that we know and understand, acknowledging and respecting the specific competence of every level of knowledge.

Notes: [75] Ibid., 75: loc. cit., 293-294.

Pacem in Terris  brings to the forefront the problem of peace

CSDC 95a. With the Encyclical Pacem in Terris [167], Blessed Pope John XXIII brings to the forefront the problem of peace in an era marked by nuclear proliferation. Moreover, Pacem in Terris contains one of the first in-depth reflections on rights on the part of the Church; it is the Encyclical of peace and human dignity. It continues and completes the discussion presented in Mater et Magistra, and, continuing in the direction indicated by Pope Leo XIII, it emphasizes the importance of the cooperation of all men and women. It is the first time that a Church document is addressed also to “all men of good will”[168], who are called to a great task: “to establish with truth, justice, love and freedom new methods of relationships in human society”[169]. 

Notes: [167] Cf. John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris: AAS 55 (1963), 257-304. [168] John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, Title: AAS 55 (1963), 257. [169] John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris: AAS 55 (1963), 301.

(Mt 20, 7-16) Social doctrine and the commitment of the lay faithful

[7] They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.' [8] When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' [9] When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage. [10] So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. [11] And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, [12] saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.' [13] He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? [14] Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? [15] (Or) am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?' [16] Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."

CSDC 541. The essential characteristic of the lay faithful who work in the Lord's vineyard (cf. Mt 20:1-16) is the secular nature of their Christian discipleship, which is carried out precisely in the world. “It belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God's will”[1139]. By Baptism, the laity are incorporated into Christ and are made participants in his life and mission according to their specific identity. “The term ‘laity' is here understood to mean all the faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. That is, the faithful who, by Baptism are incorporated into Christ, are placed in the People of God and in their own way share the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ, and to the best of their ability carry on the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the world”[1140]. 

Notes: [1139] Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, 31: AAS 57 (1965), 37. [1140] Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, 31: AAS 57 (1965), 37.

[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)]