Sunday, March 2, 2014
Matthew 21, 23-27 + CSDC and CV
(CV 33b) Other causes, however, mentioned only in passing in the Encyclical, have
since emerged with greater clarity. A case in point would be the evaluation of
the process of decolonization, then at its height. Paul VI hoped to see the
journey towards autonomy unfold freely and in peace. More than forty years
later, we must acknowledge how difficult this journey has been, both because of
new forms of colonialism and continued dependence on old and new foreign
powers, and because of grave irresponsibility within the very countries that
have achieved independence.
CSDC 98b. “These two topics are to be considered the
axes around which the Encyclical is structured. In wishing to convince its
receivers of the urgent need for action in solidarity, the Pope presents
development as ‘the transition from less humane conditions to those which are
more humane' and indicates its characteristics”[182]. This transition is
not limited to merely economic or technological dimensions, but implies for
each person the acquisition of culture, the respect of the dignity of others,
the acknowledgment of “the highest good, the recognition of God Himself, the
author and end of these blessings”[183].
Notes: [182] Congregation for Catholic Education,
Guidelines for the Study and Teaching of the Church's Social Doctrine in the
Formation of Priests, 25, Vatican Polyglot Press, Rome 1988, p. 29. [183]
Paul VI, Encyclical Letter Populorum Progressio, 21: AAS 59
(1967), 267.
[23] When he had come into the temple area, the chief
priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and
said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this
authority?" [24] Jesus said to them in reply, "I shall ask you one
question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority
I do these things. [25] Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of
human origin?" They discussed this among themselves and said, "If we
say 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?'
[26] But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard
John as a prophet." [27] So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do not
know." He himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what
authority I do these things.
CSDC 383. The Church proclaims that Christ, the
conqueror of death, reigns over the universe that he himself has redeemed. His
kingdom includes even the present times and will end only when everything is
handed over to the Father and human history is brought to completion in the
final judgment (cf. 1 Cor 15:20-28). Christ reveals to human authority, always
tempted by the desire to dominate, its authentic and complete meaning as
service. God is the one Father, and Christ the one Teacher, of all mankind, and
all people are brothers and sisters. Sovereignty belongs to God. The Lord,
however, “has not willed to reserve to himself all exercise of power. He
entrusts to every creature the functions it is capable of performing, according
to the capacities of its own nature. This mode of governance ought to be
followed in social life. The way God acts in governing the world, which bears
witness to such great regard for human freedom, should inspire the wisdom of
those who govern human communities. They should behave as ministers of divine providence”.[773]
The biblical message provides endless inspiration for Christian reflection on
political power, recalling that it comes from God and is an integral part of
the order that he created. This order is perceived by the human conscience and,
in social life, finds its fulfilment in the truth, justice, freedom and
solidarity that bring peace.[774]
Notes: [773] Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 1884. [774] Cf. John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in
Terris: AAS 55 (1963), 266-267, 281-291, 301-302; John Paul II,
Encyclical Letter Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 39: AAS 80 (1988),
566-568.
[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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