Lk 20, 1-8 + CSDC and CV

Luke 20, 1-8 + CSDC and CV 

CV 54a The theme of development can be identified with the inclusion-in-relation of all individuals and peoples within the one community of the human family, built in solidarity on the basis of the fundamental values of justice and peace. This perspective is illuminated in a striking way by the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity within the one divine Substance. The Trinity is absolute unity insofar as the three divine Persons are pure relationality. The reciprocal transparency among the divine Persons is total and the bond between each of them complete, since they constitute a unique and absolute unity. God desires to incorporate us into this reality of communion as well: “that they may be one even as we are one” (Jn 17:22). The Church is a sign and instrument of this unity [131].

Notes: [131] Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, 1.

 The relationship between labour and capital shows traits of antagonism

CDS 279 The relationship between labour and capital often shows traits of antagonism that take on new forms with the changing of social and economic contexts. In the past, the origin of the conflict between capital and labour was found above all “in the fact that the workers put their powers at the disposal of the entrepreneurs, and these, following the principle of maximum profit, tried to establish the lowest possible wages for the work done by the employees”.[601] In our present day, this conflict shows aspects that are new and perhaps more disquieting: scientific and technological progress and the globalization of markets, of themselves a source of development and progress, expose workers to the risk of being exploited by the mechanisms of the economy and by the unrestrained quest for productivity.[602] 

Notes: [601] John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Laborem Exercens, 11: AAS 73 (1981), 604. [602] Cf. John Paul II, Address to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (6 March 1999), 2: L'Osservatore Romano, English edition, 17 March 1999, p. 3.

(Luke 20, 1-8) Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things?  

[1] One day as he was teaching the people in the temple area and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, approached him [2] and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is the one who gave you this authority?" [3] He said to them in reply, "I shall ask you a question. Tell me, [4] was John's baptism of heavenly or of human origin?" [5] They discussed this among themselves, and said, "If we say, 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' [6] But if we say, 'Of human origin,' then all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." [7] So they answered that they did not know from where it came. [8] Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."

CDS  388 Considering the human person as the foundation and purpose of the political community means in the first place working to recognize and respect human dignity through defending and promoting fundamental and inalienable human rights: “In our time the common good is chiefly guaranteed when personal rights and duties are maintained”.[787] The rights and duties of the person contain a concise summary of the principal moral and juridical requirements that must preside over the construction of the political community. These requirements constitute an objective norm on which positive law is based and which cannot be ignored by the political community, because both in existential being and in final purpose the human person precedes the political community. Positive law must guarantee that fundamental human needs are met. 

   

Notes: [787] John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris: AAS 55 (1963), 273; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2237; John Paul II, Message for the 2000 World Day of Peace, 6: AAS 92 (2000), 362; John Paul II, Address to the Fiftieth General Assembly of the United Nations (5 October 1995), 3: L'Osservatore Romano, English edition, 11 October 1995, p. 8.   

 
[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)]