Mark 12,38-44 +
CSDC and CV
CV 9c. Fidelity to man requires fidelity to the truth, which alone is
the guarantee of freedom (cf. Jn 8:32) and of the possibility of
integral human development. For this reason the Church searches for truth,
proclaims it tirelessly and recognizes it wherever it is manifested. This
mission of truth is something that the Church can never renounce. Her social
doctrine is a particular dimension of this proclamation: it is a service to the
truth which sets us free. Open to the truth, from whichever branch of knowledge
it comes, the Church's social doctrine receives it, assembles into a unity the
fragments in which it is often found, and mediates it within the constantly
changing life-patterns of the society of peoples and nations[12].
Notes: [12] Cf. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace,
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 76.
The answers given to the questions of man's place in nature and society
CSDC 15a. The direction that human existence,
society and history will take depends largely on the answers given to the
questions of man's place in nature and society; the purpose of the present
document is to make a contribution to these answers. The deepest meaning of
human existence, in fact, is revealed in the free quest for that truth capable
of giving direction and fullness to life. The aforementioned questions
incessantly draw human intelligence and the human will to this quest. They are
the highest expression of human nature, since they require a response that
measures the depth of an individual's commitment to his own existence.
(Mk 12,38-44) This poor
widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury
[38] In the course
of his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in
long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, [39] seats of honor in
synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. [40] They devour the houses of
widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very
severe condemnation." [41] He sat down opposite the treasury and observed
how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.
[42] A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. [43] Calling
his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor
widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. [44] For
they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty,
has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."
CSDC 184. The Church's love for the poor is
inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, by the poverty of Jesus and by his
attention to the poor. This love concerns material poverty and also the
numerous forms of cultural and religious poverty[389]. The Church, “since
her origin and in spite of the failing of many of her members, has not ceased
to work for their relief, defence and liberation through numerous works of
charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere”[390]. Prompted by the
Gospel injunction, “You have received without paying, give without pay” (Mt
10:8), the Church teaches that one should assist one's fellow man in his
various needs and fills the human community with countless works of corporal
and spiritual mercy. “Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of
the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing
to God”[391], even if the practice of charity is not limited to alms-giving but
implies addressing the social and political dimensions of the problem of
poverty. In her teaching the Church constantly returns to this relationship
between charity and justice: “When we attend to the needs of those in want, we
give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are
paying a debt of justice”[392]. The Council Fathers strongly recommended that
this duty be fulfilled correctly, remembering that “what is already due in
justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity”[393]. Love for the poor is certainly
“incompatible with immoderate love of riches or their selfish use” [394] (cf. Jas
5:1-6).
Notes: [389] Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church,
2444. [390] Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2448. [391] Catechism
of the Catholic Church, 2447. [392] Saint Gregory the Great, Regula
Pastoralis, 3, 21: PL 77, 87: “Nam cum qualibet necessaria indigentibus
ministramus, sua illis reddimus, non nostra largimur; iustitiae potius debitum
soluimus, quam misericordiae opera implemus”. [393] Second Vatican Ecumenical
Council, Decree Apostolicam Actuositatem, 8: AAS 58 (1966), 845;
cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2446. [394] Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 2445.
[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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