Matthew 15, 1-9 + CSDC and CV

Matthew Chapter 15 

Matthew 15, 1-9 + CSDC and CV

(CV 22b) In rich countries, new sectors of society are succumbing to poverty and new forms of poverty are emerging. In poorer areas some groups enjoy a sort of “superdevelopment” of a wasteful and consumerist kind which forms an unacceptable contrast with the ongoing situations of dehumanizing deprivation. “The scandal of glaring inequalities”[56] continues. Corruption and illegality are unfortunately evident in the conduct of the economic and political class in rich countries, both old and new, as well as in poor ones. Among those who sometimes fail to respect the human rights of workers are large multinational companies as well as local producers.  

Notes: [56] Paul VI, Encyclical Letter Populorum Progressio, 9: loc. cit., 261-262.   

The Church's social doctrine is characterized by continuity and renewal

CSDC 85a. Guided by the perennial light of the Gospel and ever attentive to evolution of society, the Church's social doctrine is characterized by continuity and renewal [133]. It shows above all the continuity of a teaching that refers to the universal values drawn from Revelation and human nature.

Notes: [133] Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 3: AAS 80 (1988), 515; Pius XII, Address to Participants in a Convention of the Catholic Action movement (29 April 1945), in Discorsi e Radiomessaggi di Pio XII, vol. VII, 37-38; John Paul II, Address at the international symposium “From Rerum Novarum to Laborem Exercens: towards the year 2000” (3 April 1982): Insegnamenti di Giovanni Paolo II, V, 1 (1982), 1095-1096.

(Mt 15, 1-9) Importance of the family for the person   

[1] Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, [2] "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash (their) hands when they eat a meal." [3] He said to them in reply, "And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? [4] For God said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'Whoever curses father or mother shall die.' [5] But you say, 'Whoever says to father or mother, "Any support you might have had from me is dedicated to God," [6] need not honor his father.' You have nullified the word of God for the sake of your tradition. [7] Hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy about you when he said: [8] 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.'"  

CSDC 212. The family has central importance in reference to the person. It is in this cradle of life and love that people are born and grow; when a child is conceived, society receives the gift of a new person who is called “from the innermost depths of self to communion with others and to the giving of self to others”[465]. It is in the family, therefore, that the mutual giving of self on the part of man and woman united in marriage creates an environment of life in which children “develop their potentialities, become aware of their dignity and prepare to face their unique and individual destiny”[466]. In the climate of natural affection which unites the members of a family unit, persons are recognized and learn responsibility in the wholeness of their personhood. “The first and fundamental structure for ‘human ecology' is the family, in which man receives his first formative ideas about truth and goodness, and learns what it means to love and to be loved, and thus what it actually means to be a person”[467]. The obligations of its members, in fact, are not limited by the terms of a contract but derive from the very essence of the family, founded on the irrevocable marriage covenant and given structure in the relationships that arise within it following the generation or adoption of children.

Notes:  [465] John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles Laici, 40: AAS 81 (1989), 468.[466] John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, 39: AAS 83 (1991), 841. [467] John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, 39: AAS 83 (1991), 841.

[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)]