Election Reflection 3, Catholic Social Teaching and the Responsibility of Civic Engagement

Election Reflection 3:

Catholic Social Teaching and the Responsibility of Civic Engagement

Call to Prayer: In this final reflection on the November election we are going to specifically engage the Catholic tradition of Social teaching. “The Catholic Church always asks its members to look at the principles of Catholic social teaching when making political decisions…The Catholic Church’s stance on public life is shaped by the principles of Catholic social teaching.” Before turning to a discussion of these principles and how they apply to our civic responsibility let us begin in prayer.

Before proceeding a brief word: Discussions of politics, especially when they involve the relationship between politics and religion can become very heated. It is important to recognize that “the Church’s social teaching is neither liberal nor conservative. It seeks simply to be faithful to God’s call.” Therefore, we should “carefully avoid the appearance of being partisan or ideological. The key is to” remain faithful to scripture and the Church’s social teaching. “people of goodwill might see complex social issues differently. Each of us should strive to be faithful to the teachings [of the Church] and respectful of others in discussing issues. The Second Vatican Council taught, “Very often the Christian vision will suggest a certain solution in some given situation. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that some of the faithful, with no less sincerity, will see the problem quite differently…Let [people], then, try to guide each other by sincere dialogue in a spirit of mutual charity and with anxious interest above all in the common good.”

Opening Prayer:

Gracious and loving God,

let your Spirit be with us today.

Hear our prayers,

and increase in us the will to follow your Son Jesus.

Help us to draw on the resources of our faith

as we use the opportunities of our democracy

to shape a society more respectful of the life,

dignity, and rights of the human person,

especially the poor and vulnerable.

We ask this through Jesus Christ,

your Son, who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture: MTTW 25: 31-46

Reflection:

St. Ignatius of Loyola recommends three ways of praying in the Spiritual Exercises. One of them asks us to focus on our selves and the moral life, the other two focus on allowing God to speak to us through deep contemplation on a specific prayer, either in silence or in writing or speaking. Before entering into discussion, let us pray that God will speak to us and inspire our thoughts to do this we will engage in the second method of prayer recommended by Ignatius.

Ignatius asks us to meditate deeply on the individual words of a specific prayer. To do this he asks that we take a deep breath in between each word of a prayer. In the time of the breath be aware of the way in which that word resonates within you. What does the word call to mind? What does the word mean?, or suggest about God’s will for us? What does God say to you through that word, in the moment of saying it? How does the word build upon the previous word? Follow the outline below, read the prayer aloud as a group, pausing for a deep breath where indicated by an asterisk (*).

Lord * Christ * help us * to see * what it is *

That joins * us * together *, not * what separates us *.

For when * we * see * only * what it is * that makes us * different *,

We * too often * become * aware * of what is wrong * with others *.

We * see * only * their faults * and * weaknesses *,

Interpreting * their actions * as flowing from *

Malice * or hatred * rather * than fear *.

Even when confronted * with evil *, Lord *,

You * forgave * and sacrificed * yourself *

Rather than * sought * revenge *.

Teach * us * to do * the same * by the power * of your * Spirit *>

--William Breault, SJ

Allow an opportunity to discuss what you experienced. Where there certain words which especially spoke to you, in what way. How was God present in this reflection? What was God saying?

Activity and Discussion:

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching are:

1. The life and dignity of the Human Person
2. The call to family, community, and participation
3. Protection of human rights
4. Option for the poor and vulnerable
5. The dignity of work and the rights of workers
6. Solidarity
7. Care for God’s Creation

Consider the Seven Principles of Catholic social teaching

1. Discuss the meaning of each of these seven principles of Catholic social teaching. What sort of values do these principles ask that we cultivate?

2. Look back to the public policy issues discussed in the second activity. How do the principles of Catholic Social teaching add to, help to clarify, complicate, or contradict the teachings of Jesus?

3. What do these principles demand of our leaders? How do the current candidates live up to or fail to meet the challenge of Catholic social teaching?

4. How do these principles challenge the shape of social structures? What priorities do they set for societies? In what ways do they seek to transform, or alter current priorities?

5. What social principles or structures do you see in society which contradict Catholic social teaching? How can they be transformed to better reflect these teachings?

Closing Prayer:

God, source of all light,

We are surrounded by the darkness of

The injustices experienced by your people,

The poor who are hungry and who search

For shelter, the sick who seek relief,

And the downtrodden who seek help in

Their hopelessness.

Surround us and fill us with your Spirit

Who is light.

Lead us in your way to be light to your people.

Help our group to be salt for our community

As we share your love with those caught

In the struggles of life.

We desire to be your presence to the least among us

And to know your presence in them as we

Work through you

To bring justice and peace to this world

In desperate need. Amen.

--United States Catholic Bishops.