34. STEWARDSHIP OF THIS WORLD'S GOODS

34. STEWARDSHIP OF THIS WORLD'S GOODS OUR WORK AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ROOTED IN HUMAN DIGNITY AND THE COMMON GOOD Compendium 503-520, 531-533 Dt 5:19,21 Matthew 6:21 The seventh and tenth commandments: DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR'S GOODS; instruct us to be generous and just stewards of God's blessings. The right to own private property is an expression of human dignity. The seventh commandment requires that we return what we have stolen. It also requires that we use this world's goods in a temperate way and in concern for others. It forbids unjust wages and fraud. Financial systems must be ethical and at the service of the human person. Unbridled Capitalism and Totalitarian Government both offend human dignity. We must be aware that Labor is a path toward holiness. Citizens must actively engage in civil affairs as witnesses of authentic Gospel values. We must imitate Christ's detachment from this world's goods and live the beatitudes.