Lk 24, 46-53 + CSDC and CV

Luke 24, 46-53 + CSDC and CV

CV 65a  Finance, therefore — through the renewed structures and operating methods that have to be designed after its misuse, which wreaked such havoc on the real economy — now needs to go back to being an instrument directed towards improved wealth creation and development. Insofar as they are instruments, the entire economy and finance, not just certain sectors, must be used in an ethical way so as to create suitable conditions for human development and for the development of peoples. It is certainly useful, and in some circumstances imperative, to launch financial initiatives in which the humanitarian dimension predominates. However, this must not obscure the fact that the entire financial system has to be aimed at sustaining true development. Above all, the intention to do good must not be considered incompatible with the effective capacity to produce goods.

Large numbers of people are forced to work under seriously distressing conditions

CDS 316 In developing countries, moreover, there has been an expansion in recent years of “informal” and “hidden” economic activities. This represents a promising sign of economic growth and development, but it raises many ethical and legal problems. In fact, the significant increase in job opportunities in the context of such activities is owed to the lack of specialization in a large segment of the local work force and to disorderly growth in formal economic sectors. Large numbers of people are thus forced to work under seriously distressing conditions and in situations that lack the rules necessary for safeguarding workers' dignity. Levels of productivity, income and living standards are extremely low and often inadequate for guaranteeing to workers and their families the minimum level of subsistence.

(Luke 24,46-53) The Kingdom of God is a task entrusted to the Christian community inspired by the Gospel  

[46] And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day [47] and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] And (behold) I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." [50] Then he led them (out) as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. [51] As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. [52] They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, [53] and they were continually in the temple praising God.

 CDS 53 The transformation of social relationships that responds to the demands of the Kingdom of God is not fixed within concrete boundaries once and for all. Rather, it is a task entrusted to the Christian community, which is to develop it and carry it out through reflection and practices inspired by the Gospel. It is the same Spirit of the Lord, leading the people of God while simultaneously permeating the universe[63], who from time to time inspires new and appropriate ways for humanity to exercise its creative responsibility[64]. This inspiration is given to the community of Christians who are a part of the world and of history, and who are therefore open to dialogue with all people of good will in the common quest for the seeds of truth and freedom sown in the vast field of humanity[65]. The dynamics of this renewal must be firmly anchored in the unchangeable principles of the natural law, inscribed by God the Creator in each of his creatures (cf. Rom 2:14-15), and bathed in eschatological light through Jesus Christ.

Notes: [63] Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Gaudium et Spes, 11: AAS 58 (1966), 1033.  [64] Cf. Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Octogesima Adveniens, 37: AAS 63 (1971), 426-427. [65] Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptor Hominis, 11: AAS 71 (1979), 276: “The Fathers of the Church rightly saw in the various religions as it were so many reflections of the one truth, ‘seeds of the Word', attesting that, though the routes taken may be different, there is but a single goal to which is directed the deepest aspiration of the human spirit”.

[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)]