430. Why does the Magisterium of the Church act in the field of morality? (part 3 continuation)
(Comp 430 repetition) It is the duty of
the Magisterium of the Church to preach the faith that is to be believed and
put into practice in life. This duty extends even to the specific precepts of
the natural law because their observance is necessary for salvation.
“In brief”
(CCC 2051) The infallibility of
the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine,
including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot
be preserved, expounded, or observed.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2038) In the work of teaching and applying Christian
morality, the Church needs the dedication of pastors, the knowledge of
theologians, and the contribution of all Christians and men of good will. Faith
and the practice of the Gospel provide each person with an experience of life
"in Christ," who enlightens him and makes him able to evaluate the
divine and human realities according to the Spirit of God (Cf. 1 Cor 2:10-15).
Thus the Holy Spirit can use the humblest to enlighten the learned and those in
the highest positions. (CCC 2039) Ministries should be exercised in a spirit of
fraternal service and dedication to the Church, in the name of the Lord (Cf.
Rom 12:8, 11). At the same time the conscience of each person should avoid
confining itself to individualistic considerations in its moral judgments of
the person's own acts. As far as possible conscience should take account of the
good of all, as expressed in the moral law, natural and revealed, and
consequently in the law of the Church and in the authoritative teaching of the
Magisterium on moral questions. Personal conscience and reason should not be
set in opposition to the moral law or the Magisterium of the Church.
Reflection
(CCC 2040) Thus a true filial
spirit toward the Church can develop among Christians. It is the normal
flowering of the baptismal grace which has begotten us in the womb of the
Church and made us members of the Body of Christ. In her motherly care, the
Church grants us the mercy of God which prevails over all our sins and is
especially at work in the sacrament of reconciliation. With a mother's
foresight, she also lavishes on us day after day in her liturgy the nourishment
of the Word and Eucharist of the Lord. [END]
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