04_Responsibilities & Rights

"In human society one man’s natural right gives rise to a corresponding duty in other men; the duty, that is, of recognizing and respecting that right. Every basic human right draws its authoritative force from the natural law, which confers it and attaches to it its respective duty. Hence, to claim one’s rights and ignore one’s duties, or only half fulfill them, is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other.” —St. John XXIII, Peace on Earth (Pacem in Terris), no. 30

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L - Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)



O - Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

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From the Examination of Conscience in Light of Social Teaching

Do I recognize and respect the economic, social, political, and cultural rights of others?

Do I fulfill my responsibilities regarding my rights?

Do I live in material comfort and excess while remaining insensitive to the needs of others whose rights are unfulfilled?

Do I take seriously my responsibility to ensure that the rights of persons in need are realized?

Do I urge those in power to implement programs and policies that give priority to the human dignity and rights of all, especially the vulnerable?

V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.

E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Lord, show me how I can help build a society where all people are able to fulfill their responsibilities and exercise their human rights. Amen + 

Show Notes

Topics Discussed:

Catholic social justice principle #3, rights and responsibilities 

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus

US foreign aid 

Overview:

Minutes 00:12:00 - Responsibilities and rights are inseparable, the contemporary imbalance   

Minutes 12:01-24:00 - The Bill of Rights, healthcare, single-parent families, smoking, abortion

Minutes 24:01-36:00 - Rights begin with responsibility, Lazarus and the rich man

Minutes 36:01-48:00 - Freedom is for responsibility, the responsibility of the wealthy toward the poor

Additional Resources:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Book, Amazon: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and USCCB

Pacem in Terris, Peace on Earth, Pope John XXIII

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Read the Transcript

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