09.25.09
Charity in Truth (Caritas in Veritate)
Caritas in Veritate by Pope Benedict XVI
Soon after he became Pope, Benedict XVI said that his reign would focus upon the future of the church more than the present. Charity in Truth maps much of that direction. Caritas in Veritate is a beautiful expression of some of the central tenants of Christianity.
In this encyclical, Benedict clarifies the original vision of Christ concerning wealth, economic responsibility, and the rights and duties we have as human beings toward one another. While reading this missive I was reminded of two sections of the Bible: Matthew 25, where Jesus tells us that whatever we do for the least of our brethren we do for him; and Luke 10 where Jesus praises the Samaritan who was compassionate.
In delivering his message Pope Benedict closely documents his statements while reviewing and amplifying messages of his predecessors. He especially refers to the teachings of Pope Paul VI, Leo XIII, John Paul II, and the documents of Vatican II.
Several of Benedicts comments are worth remembering.
“Charity transcends justice and completes it in the logic of giving and forgiving.”
In working on economic development, humans often “fall into the trap of thinking he can bring about his own salvation.”
“Once profit becomes the exclusive goal . . . it risks destroying wealth and creating poverty”
One of the essential messages Benedict shares with us is that, “The sharing of reciprocal duties is a more powerful incentive to action than the mere assertion of rights.” That message, highlighting the importance of our duties, must be key to our actions as it so clearly is to his. I highly recommend this encyclical.
“Charity transcends justice and completes it in the logic of giving and forgiving.”
In working on economic development, humans often “fall into the trap of thinking he can bring about his own salvation.”
“Once profit becomes the exclusive goal . . . it risks destroying wealth and creating poverty”