The Vision in Wisdom

Below is the 10th in the August Catholic Social Teaching series.

In the book of Wisdom, we have a description of the gravest injustice ever committed.  It is the description of how evildoers substitute their power for just law and use that power to condemn the Just One.  Grave injustices continue every time a bully or a dictator, who is nothing more than a political bully, uses power as a substitute for justice. 

Teresita Scully, MTS 

Compendium of Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church:

164. The principle of the common good, to which every aspect of social life must be related if it is to attain its fullest meaning, stems from the dignity, unity and equality of all people. According to its primary and broadly accepted sense, the common good indicates "the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily"

See also: Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Gaudium et Spes, 26: AAS 58 (1966), 1046; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1905-1912; John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Mater et Magistra: AAS 53 (1961), 417-421; John XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris: AAS 55 (1963), 272-273; Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Octogesima Adveniens, 46: AAS 63 (1971), 433-435.

Wisdom 2: 1. For, not thinking rightly, they said among themselves: ….. and

7. Let us have our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no springtime blossom pass us by; 8. let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither. 9. Let no meadow be free from our wantonness; everywhere let us leave tokens of our merriment, for this is our portion, and this our lot. 10. Let us oppress the righteous poor; let us neither spare the widow nor revere the aged for hair grown white with time. 11. But let our strength be our norm of righteousness; for weakness proves itself useless.

The United States Catholic Church of Bishops has provided the following document as a guide for discernment and making decisions. It is worth reading/reviewing.

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

“We propose once more the moral framework of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship precisely as pastors, inspired by the Good Samaritan, with the hope of binding these wounds and healing these bitter divisions. This document is not based on personalities or partisanship, the latest news cycle, or what’s trending on social media. Instead, it reflects the perennial role of the Church in public life in proclaiming timeless principles: the infinite worth and dignity of every human life, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity. Not sure what these mean? We invite you to read a copy of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and learn more.” You can read it here:

Be sure to carefully read the following sections:

Part II: Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Part III: Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials

I encourage you to watch the Vision in Wisdom video here.