One theme Catholic Social Teaching addresses is the Rights and Responsibilities of every Catholic. Our Catholic Church teaches that “each person has human rights as a child and friend of God.” In the encyclical letter Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII lists these rights: the right to life, food, clothing, shelter, medical care, work, rest and necessary social services. Also, these rights include: access to education, the right to worship freely and the right to participate in public life. Wow, that is quite a list and not a reality in most people’s lives!
As Catholics each of us has the responsibility to make sure those rights are upheld for everyone!! That is a huge task! If I notice another’s right to a dignified life is threatened, it is my obligation to act to reduce that threat.
Even as I type these words, I take a deep breath because I know I have not always carried out this obligation. When I pause for a moment, I realize I cannot fill every obligation on my own, but I can do some things. I can find my niche. I could advocate for laws that eliminate the Death Penalty. Or I can help at a food pantry or help with a food drive or educate myself about pressing social issues and help to educate others on those topics in a nonpartisan manner.
Consider: How can I begin to fulfill my Catholic Responsibilities?
Submitted by: Libby Long (314)-420-7195
Information taken from: THE MINISTRY OF PEACE AND JUSTICE by Michael Jordan Laskey