A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching,by Edward E. McKenna. Ave Maria Press, 2013.
Just the book many have been looking for: A summary and explanation of the major encyclicals and letters on social justice issues which came at the end of the 19th century with the works of Leo XIII to those
of Benedict XVI in 2013.
These writings originated with the cultural shocks occasioned by the Industrial Revolution in the Western World. Teachings came from the papacy especially in encyclicals, which are formal papal documents that give the Church's position on issues of concern. Pope Leo XIII gave us the first such encyclical called Rerum Novarum based on the shifting relationship between management and labor.
McKenna's book distills papal teachings as well as teachings from the episcopal conferences of the United States. In 1998, these conferences were directed
to social issues under these titles: Life and dignity of the human person; Call to family, community, and participation; Rights and responsibilities; Option for the poor and vulnerable; The dignity of work and the rights of workers; Solidarity; and Care for God's creation. These themes are articulated in McKenna's study of social issues, which issues have become vital since Vatican
Council II.
This book is arranged in line with these topics and the chapters offer sections from pertinent encyclicals and other papal documents on those topics. The format with information and questions can be useful for study groups in parishes which are interested in gaining knowledge and practical ways to be involved in social issues. Summaries of the various papal documents are
included in the Appendix with short histories of the various popes who penned the documents. Also included is a sample penance service based on social issues.
St. Basil the Great (329-79): January 2 Basil was on his way to becoming a famous teacher when he decided to begin a religious life of gospel poverty. After studying various modes of religious life, he founded what was probably the first monastery in Asia Minor. He is to monks of the East what St. Benedict is to the West, and Basil's principles influence Eastern
monasticism today.
He was ordained a priest, assisted the archbishop of Caesarea (now southeastern Turkey), and ultimately became archbishop himself, in spite of opposition from some of the bishops under him, probably because they foresaw coming reforms.
One of the most damaging heresies in the
history of the Church, Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ, was at its height. Emperor Valens persecuted orthodox believers, and put great pressure on Basil to remain silent and admit the heretics to communion. Basil remained firm, and Valens backed down. But trouble remained. When the great St. Athanasius (May 2) died, the mantle of defender of the faith against Arianism fell upon Basil. He strove mightily to unite and rally his fellow Catholics who were crushed by tyranny and
torn by internal dissension. He was misunderstood, misrepresented, accused of heresy and ambition. Even appeals to the pope brought no response. "For my sins I seem to be unsuccessful in everything."
He was tireless in pastoral care. He preached twice a day to huge crowds, built a hospital that was called a wonder of the world (as a youth he had organized famine relief and worked in a soup
kitchen himself) and fought the prostitution business.
Basil was best known as an orator. Though not recognized greatly in his lifetime, his writings rightly place him among the great teachers of the Church. Seventy-two years after his death, the Council of Chalcedon described him as "the great Basil, minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth."
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Righteousness is an attribute of
moral purity belonging to God alone (John 17:25 ). It is he alone who is truly righteous. No one in the world is righteous in the eyes of the Lord, that is, except the Christian. We are counted righteous in the eyes of God when we receive Jesus by faith (Phil. 3:9). Our righteousness is based on what Jesus did on the cross. The righteousness that was Christ's is counted to us. We, then, are seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Though we are actually worthy of damnation, we are made
righteous (Isaiah 61:10) by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As a result, we will spend eternity in the presence of the holy, pure, loving, kind, gentle, and righteous God who is our righteousness.
The three hymns . . . A pastor explained to
his congregation that the church was in need of some extra money, so he asked them to consider being more than generous. He offered that whoever gave the most would be able to pick three hymns.
After the offering plates were passed about the church, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had graciously offered a $1,000 bill. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and
said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate.
A very quiet, elderly, saintly lady in the back of the church shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front, so she slowly she made her way towards him.
The pastor told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much, and in thanks he asked
her to pick out three hymns.
Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation. She pointed to the three most handsome men in the church and said, "I'll take him and him and him."
