Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”
Gaudium et Spes, 1
“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ”
Shalom
Yahweh is a righteous God in the Old Testament, so He encourages His people as well to become just and righteous in order to realize peace or shalom (overall harmony) in His Kingdom.
Justice
Justice is the virtue that inclines us to give to God and to man what is due to them.
Social justice is central to the Pentateuch
To be the people of God meant to practice justice. A just system was required for all people, aside from their ethnic origin or social justice. Social justice is central to the Pentateuch.
"Voices of Justice: Prophetic Condemnation of Injustice"
The prophets Isaiah and Amos denounce those who create unjust laws and oppressive statutes that deny the needy and vulnerable, such as the poor, widows, and orphans, their rights and justice. Isaiah condemns the corrupt practices that exploit these groups for personal gain, while Amos calls for a rejection of evil and a commitment to righteousness, urging the establishment of true justice within society.
Sedakah
It refers to the right relationship established by Yahweh, exemplified in His interactions with Israel and creation, and manifested through Israel's obedience, reverence, and faithfulness to God. This relationship serves as a model for justice among humans and is closely associated with Yahweh's righteousness, demonstrated by His covenant faithfulness and being the source of righteousness (as noted in Psalms 111:3, 5, 9). Related concepts include mercy, compassion, and salvation, with this also synonymous with deliverance, reflecting the norms set by God.
Mishpat
The concept of justice described here is forensic in nature, grounded in the failure of the right relationship, where Yahweh refuses to tolerate injustice. This justice operates like a court of law, punishing the accused and vindicating the victim, with Yahweh acting as a judge who corrects wrongdoings by punishing the wicked and rewarding the righteous to restore proper relationships. As the King-God, He maintains order in the community through this application, which offers deliverance for the just and innocent while imposing harsh consequences on the wicked and sinful.
Hesed
It is often translated as loving-kindness, steadfast love, mercy, or compassion, and represents the expression of loving-kindness within the Kingdom of Yahweh. This concept is exemplified by Yahweh's everlasting love for Israel, as noted in Psalms 25:6 and Jeremiah 31:3, where He remains faithful despite Israel's unfaithfulness (Hosea 2) and shows compassion and mercy for her sins (Isaiah 54:8). Ultimately, Yahweh serves as the epitome and example of practicing it towards others.
Micah 6:8
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ proclaims that the Kingdom of God is already at hand and that the Beatitudes are the way to attain its fullness.
Old Testament
Emphasized the External Actions we need to follow.
New Testament
Emphasized the Internal Dispositions we need to have.
Luke 11: 2-4
This verse is a petition for the coming of God‘s Kingdom and for the doing of the divine will.
Dikaiosune
Jesus' call to prioritize the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) emphasizes a relational understanding of justice. This concept illustrates God's desire for a relationship with people and underlines the divine principles that guide His kingship. Catholic teaching relates to social justice, highlighting the moral duty to foster fair relationships and respect individual dignity. This understanding encourages active involvement in promoting justice and addressing social inequalities, reflecting the Church's commitment to the common good.
Christ as a Teacher
Christ’s teaching gives emphasis on ‘persons’ over the law and on the virtues of justice and charity over the legal code. (Luke 10:25-37)
Christ preaches the KINGDOM OF GOD
The concept emphasizes a call for metanoia, or conversion of heart, which is characterized as a non-violent transformation. This process fosters a hopeful preparation for the realization of change in the future, encouraging individuals to embrace a deeper commitment to personal and communal growth.
Christ, as a LIBERATOR
Christ heals and liberates people both from physical and spiritual illness. Christ’s liberation is also, at the same time, a restoration (personal and communal).
King
One‘s commitment to serve others through active participation in integral human development.
Priest
Our capacity to pray for one another and our ability to establish a deeper relationship with God through prayer and worship.
Prophet
Proclaiming peace founded on truth, built according to justice, integrated by charity and practiced in freedom.
Duc in Altum
(“Put out into the deep” Lk. 5:4)
Every Catholic is called to be a missionary, actively engaged and aware of the signs of the times, which enables them to draw others closer to the Kingdom of God. In this role, they emulate the apostles of Jesus Christ, serving as fishers of men by witnessing their faith and sharing the message of the Gospel with those around them.
As an Agent of Hope and Transformation
Christ's command to His disciples to "make disciples of all nations" through baptism calls Christians to live holy lives as true followers of Jesus. Discipleship is central to the Church's mission, fostering community with God and each other while empowering believers to share the Good News. Additionally, the Synod of Bishops emphasized that the Gospel is closely linked to justice, asserting that actively engaging in justice and transforming the world is essential to the Church's mission.
The Fact of Religious Pluralism
The Church defends every person's dignity and their freedom in religious matters. While promoting religious pluralism, it encourages all individuals to embrace Jesus Christ and join His Church, which is tasked with evangelizing the world. Ultimately, God invites everyone to faith and baptism in Jesus, highlighting the Church's commitment to spreading the message of salvation.
Truthful Tolerance
The Declaration on Religious Freedom (Dignitatis Humanae) from Vatican II emphasizes every person's right to religious freedom, protecting them from coercion by others or authorities. It affirms that individuals should be free to practice their beliefs privately or publicly, alone or with others, as long as it is within reasonable limits.
Fidelity to Proclaim the Kingdom of God
The Church, inspired by its founder's principles of charity, humility, and self-denial, is called to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of Christ among all people. This mission remains constant, focusing on evangelizing the world and preaching the Cross of Christ as the symbol of God's love and grace.
