Rights and Responsibilities
- MPadilla
- Aug 26, 2025
- 2 min read
Below is the 26th in the August Catholic Social Teaching series: Rights and Responsibilities
We seldom lack voice for proclaiming our personal rights, but we are not so quick to proclaim the other side of that scale which is responsibility. For every right of mine, I have an equal responsibility.
Teresita Scully, MTS
As followers of Christ, we are required to follow the teachings he gave to this apostles and disciples. We follow the Old and New Testament to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. As a member of the American community, it is our responsibility to obey those laws that are in keeping with God’s Word.
When we see injustice, it is our right and responsibility to speak up. Non-violent protest is necessary at times when we see injustices. This is true if it’s local, city, state or national We are required to protect each other’s rights.
Like Jesus turning tables, protest can be an act of faith, Protest isn’t just a part of democracy—it’s a part of discipleship.
“St. Pope John Paul II recognized that those protesting in opposition to injustice “are searching for participation and such a definition of the common good that would permit them to participate more fully and effectively in the community.””
“The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met.”
Scripture
Leviticus 25:35: When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help.
Tobit 4:5-11: Give from what you have received and do not turn away from the poor.
Jeremiah 22:13-16: A legitimate government upholds the rights of the poor and vulnerable.
Matthew 25: 31-46: Just as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.
James 2:14-18: Faith without works is dead.
Tradition
“It frequently becomes clear that, in practice, human rights are not equal for all. Respect for those rights ‘is the preliminary condition for a country’s social and economic development….”
"Underlying the principle of the common good is respect for the human person as such, endowed with basic and inalienable rights ordered to his or her integral development. It has also to do with the overall welfare of society and the development of a variety of intermediate groups, applying the principle of subsidiarity. …”
“… Every basic human right draws its authoritative force from the natural law, which confers it and attaches to it its respective duty. …”
"As for the State . . . It has also the duty to protect the rights of all its people, and particularly of its weaker members, the workers, women and children. It can never be right for the State to shirk its obligation of working actively for the betterment of the condition of the workingman." (St. John XXIII, Christianity and Social Progress [Mater et Magistra], no. 20)
I encourage you to watch the Rights and Responsibilities video here:
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