Friday, January 24, 2014
Matthew 14, 14-21 + CSDC and CV
(CV 21e) The complexity and gravity of the present economic situation rightly cause
us concern, but we must adopt a realistic attitude as we take up with
confidence and hope the new responsibilities to which we are called by the
prospect of a world in need of profound cultural renewal, a world that needs to
rediscover fundamental values on which to build a better future. The current
crisis obliges us to re-plan our journey, to set ourselves new rules and to
discover new forms of commitment, to build on positive experiences and to
reject negative ones. The crisis thus becomes an opportunity for
discernment, in which to shape a new vision for the future. In this spirit,
with confidence rather than resignation, it is appropriate to address the
difficulties of the present time.
CSDC 84. Besides being destined primarily and
specifically to the sons and daughters of the Church, her social doctrine also
has a universal destination. The light of the Gospel that the Church's
social doctrine shines on society illuminates all men and women, and every
conscience and mind is in a position to grasp the human depths of meaning and
values expressed in it and the potential of humanity and humanization contained
in its norms of action. It is to all people — in the name of mankind, of human
dignity which is one and unique, and of humanity's care and promotion of
society — to everyone in the name of the one God, Creator and ultimate end of
man, that the Church's social doctrine is addressed[131].
Notes: [131] Cf. John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Mater
et Magistra: AAS 53 (1961), 453.
14] When he
disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and
he cured their sick. [15] When it was evening, the disciples approached him and
said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds
so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." [16]
(Jesus) said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them
some food yourselves." [17] But they said to him, "Five loaves and
two fish are all we have here." [18] Then he said, "Bring them here
to me," [19] and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking 5
the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the
blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave
them to the crowds. [20] They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up
the fragments left over - twelve wicker baskets full. [21] Those who ate were
about five thousand men, not counting women and children.
CSDC 458. The Magisterium's considerations regarding
science and technology in general can also be applied to the environment and
agriculture. The Church appreciates “the advantages that result — and can still
result — from the study and applications of molecular biology, supplemented by
other disciplines such as genetics and its technological application in
agriculture and industry”.[956] In fact, technology “could be a priceless tool
in solving many serious problems, in the first place those of hunger and
disease, through the production of more advanced and vigorous strains of
plants, and through the production of valuable medicines”[957]. It is
important, however, to repeat the concept of “proper application”, for “we know
that this potential is not neutral: it can be used either for man's progress or
for his degradation”[958]. For this reason, “it is necessary to maintain an
attitude of prudence and attentively sift out the nature, end and means of the
various forms of applied technology”.[959] Scientists, therefore, must “truly
use their research and technical skill in the service of humanity”,[960] being
able to subordinate them “to moral principles and values, which respect and
realize in its fullness the dignity of man”[961].
Notes: [956] John Paul II, Address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (3
October 1981), 3: L'Osservatore Romano, English edition, 12 October
1981, p. 4. [957] John Paul II, Address to the participants in a convention
sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, for the bicentenary of its
foundation (21 September 1982), 4: L'Osservatore Romano, English
edition, 4 October 1982, p. 3. [958] John Paul II, Meeting with scientists and
representatives of the United Nations University, Hiroshima (25 February 1981),
3: AAS 73 (1981), 422. [959] John Paul II, Meeting with employees of the
Olivetti workshops in Ivrea, Italy (19 March 1990), 4: L'Osservatore Romano,
English edition, 26 March 1990, p. 7. [960] John Paul II, Homily during
Mass at the Victorian Racing Club, Melbourne (26 November 1986), 11: Insegnamenti
di Giovanni Paolo II, IX, 2 (1986), 1730. [961] John Paul II, Address to
the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (23 October 1982), 6: Insegnamenti di
Giovanni Paolo II, V, 3 (1982), 892-893.
[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)]
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