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 and creation. Love of neighbor is necessary to create a well ordered society. The right to own private property is an expression of human dignity but it is not an unlimited right which deprives others of a fair share of opportunities or is contrary to the common good. The parable of Lazarus and the poor man instruct us about our obligation to take care of the poor and to live justly, with temperance and prudence. The seventh commandment requires that we return what we have stolen. 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.
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