Matthew 24, 32-41 + CSDC and CV   

(CV 38a) My predecessor John Paul II drew attention to this question in  Centesimus Annus, when he spoke of the need for a system with three subjects: the market, the State and civil society [92]. He saw civil society as the most natural setting for an economy of gratuitousness and fraternity, but did not mean to deny it a place in the other two settings. Today we can say that economic life must be understood as a multi-layered phenomenon: in every one of these layers, to varying degrees and in ways specifically suited to each, the aspect of fraternal reciprocity must be present.

Notes: [92] Cf. no. 35: loc. cit., 836-838.  

Church's social doctrine: the whole truth about man known by reason and faith

CSDC 160b. These principles, the expression of the whole truth about man known by reason and faith, are born of “the encounter of the Gospel message and of its demands summarized in the supreme commandment of love of God and neighbour in justice with the problems emanating from the life of society”.[343]

Notes: [343] Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction Libertatis Conscientia, 72: AAS 79 (1987), 585.

(Mt 24,32-41) The lay faithful should act according to the dictates of prudence 

[32] "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. [33] In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates. [34] Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. [36] "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. [37] For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. [38] In (those) days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. [39] They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be (also) at the coming of the Son of Man. [40] Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. [41] Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.

CSDC 547. The lay faithful should act according to the dictates of prudence, the virtue that makes it possible to discern the true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means for achieving it. Thanks to this virtue, moral principles are applied correctly to particular cases. We can identify three distinct moments as prudence is exercised to clarify and evaluate situations, to inspire decisions and to prompt action. The first moment is seen in the reflection and consultation by which the question is studied and the necessary opinions sought. The second moment is that of evaluation, as the reality is analyzed and judged in the light of God's plan. The third  moment, that of decision, is based on the preceding steps and makes it possible to choose between the different actions that may be taken.

[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)]