The Trinity as a Model for Social Justice

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. To be sure, the mystery of a three-in-one God can be difficult to comprehend. However, one thing is clear: the Trinity exists as a communion of three persons who mutually cooperate with each other in acts of creation, sanctification, justification, and salvation. Many theologians have pointed to the Trinity as a model that we can use for all sorts of life-in-common, including families, the Church, and other forms of community. 
       Thus, the Trinity also tells us something about social justice. The relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one of close, intimate love. One powerful image of the Trinity can be found in the "Throne of Grace," in which artists using everything from canvas to stained glass have depicted the crucifixion of the Son, with the saddened Father supporting the cross and the Holy Spirit hovering nearby in solidarity.
       Such should be our relationship with each other — we should care deeply about other human beings and want to always uphold them, especially those who are suffering. We should support them, be in solidarity with them, and do what we can to raise them up.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
 

Economic Life & Social Justice (part 6)

The final two principles of A Catholic Framework for Economic Life (www.usccb.org/jphd/economiclife) indicate how everyone in an economic system — from the workers to global leaders — is responsible for a just outcome:

• Principle 9. Workers, owners, managers, stockholders, and consumers are moral agents in economic life. By our choices, initiative, creativity and investment, we enhance or diminish economic opportunity, community life and social justice.
• Principle 10. The global economy has moral dimensions and human consequences. Decisions on investment, trade, aid, and development should protect human life and promote human rights, especially for those most in need wherever they might live on this globe. 

An exercise for this week: What role are you in with respect to Principle 9? What moral responsibilities can you identify as being a part of your role? 
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
 

Economic Life & Social Justice (part 5)

The seventh and eighth principles of A Catholic Framework for Economic Life (www.usccb.org/jphd/economiclife) declares the checks and balances that are necessary between the free market, voluntary groups, and the government:

• Principle 7. In economic life, free markets have both clear advantages and limits; government has essential responsibilities and limitations; voluntary groups have irreplaceable roles, but cannot substitute for the proper working of the market and the just policies of the state.
• Principle 8. Society has a moral obligation, including governmental action where necessary, to assure opportunity, meet basic human needs, and pursue justice in economic life.

Principle 7 makes the case that all parties with economic interests have roles to play, and Principle 8 speaks specifically to he important role that we as a society should be asking our government to play in assuring a just and compassionate society.
        An exercise for this week: Consider the news this week. Ask yourself, "Are our leaders’ actions benefiting everyone, including families, workers, and the most vulnerable among us?" If not, pick one elected leader and write to them about your feelings.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
 

Economic Life & Social Justice (part 4)

The fifth and sixth principles of A Catholic Framework for Economic Life (www.usccb.org/jphd/economiclife) could easily be named the "individual rights and responsibilities" principles:

• Principle 5. All people have the right to economic initiative, to productive work, to just wages and benefits, to decent working conditions as well as to organize and join unions or other associations.

• Principle 6. All people, to the extent they are able, have a corresponding duty to work, a responsibility to provide for the needs of their families and an obligation to contribute to the broader society. 

Principle 5 is rooted in our belief that, by working, we are participating in God's creation, and therefore it is a noble and worthy endeavor that no one should be deprived of. It goes further to state that work should be justly compensated and dignified, and a worker may associate with others in order to balance the power between employer and employee.
       The sixth principle outlines the why we should work, if we are able: to financially take care of our families and to contribute to the common good.
       An exercise for this week: As we come out of the current recession, many individuals still suffer unemployment or underemployment. Consider them in your prayers this week.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)