Christifidelis Lacici 43

     As we continue into section 43 of Pope St. John Paul the Great’s exhortation we consider the individual placed at the center of socio-economic life.  Our Holy Father reminds us that “service to society…finds its essence in the socio-economic question which depends on the organization of work.”  In other words: how we go about our work each day is an important part of our service to society and, as he will point out later, our salvation.

     He further points out that “the basis for the social doctrine of the Church is the principle of the universal destination of goods.  We are reminded of this each year with the blessing of pets on the feast of St. Francis, and during the Ember Days.  The point of private property, of goods, of economic power is the freedom and ability to sanctify creation and each individual whom God has set within His “garden”.

     We are also reminded at the close of this section that our concern for the earth and nature is also a part of this witness and sanctification.  Our Holy Father points out that the world has been handed over to us to “cultivate” (care for) and to “dominate” (put to use for the building up of culture and the economic life which are both at the service of building up the human person).  This leaves us then with a responsibility to use these resources in such a way that the earth is cared for and handed on to future generations, “if possible…in better condition”.

     And so, our questions for contemplation and a challenge:

    1.     Am I conscious of my work as having a direct effect on my salvation?

    2.     Do I put the accumulation of goods, authority, or power over the good of the people with whom I work; for whom I work; who work for me?  Do I recognize each person as a “cog in the machine” or as human persons with dignity, hopes, and aspirations?

    3.     Am I conscious of the world in which we live as a gift held in common?  Am I careful to leave it better than I received it?

Challenge:  It may be a new thing for some, so this is a really good and important challenge:  Bring each of the questions above to prayer and think of one practical thing you can do this week (and ever after!) in response to them.