Catholic Social Teachings

Rights and Responsibilities

Think about it:

All that is necessaryfor evil to triumphis for good men to

do nothing(Edmund Burke 1729 – 1797)

Those who oppress the poor revile their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.

(Proverbs 14:31)

Rights

Its my life

Its my right

Its my choice

Responsibilities

Live - to love and serve God and others

Freedom – to love and serve God and others

That’s right

Jesus said it himselfCome you who are blessed by my Father.Inherit the kingdom prepared for youFor I was hungry and you gave me food.I was thirsty and you gave me drink.A stranger and you welcomed meNaked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for meIn prison and you visited me

And the righteous said “Lord when we do this?”And Jesus told them“Whatever you did for one ofthe least brothers of mine

YOU DID FOR ME”

Let’s see what we’ve done for Jesus lately

Remember…

• Key themes of Catholic Social Teaching includes– Life and Dignity of the Human Person– Call to Family, Community, and Participation– Rights and Responsibilities– Option for the Poor and Vulnerable– Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers– Solidarity– Caring for God’s Creation

Remember Also…

• The Two Feet of Social Justice– Action– Advocacy

• We have to think like God thinks!

Our Basic Rights

• Survival – Necessary for people to live– Food– Shelter– Basic Health Care

• Thrival – God wants His creation to thrive and flourish, not just survive– Education– Employment– Enough material goods to support a family– Ability to live by one’s conscience and religion

With Rights Come Responsibilities

• Rights are important, but they are not unlimited• All have the right to own property, but it is a gift

given by God for the good of ALL people• Everything we have and do must promote the

dignity of us, our families, and all members of society

• We must help the world around us understand God’s Justice and the correct understanding of rights and liberties in our society

Closing prayer

Dearest Lord,Today I offer you all my thoughts,deeds,and words

Amen(inspired by Proverbs 16:3)