Catholic Social Teachings: Don't Forget This
Continuing our exploration of Catholic social teachings and connecting them to our own work, let's not forget the fundamental and critical issue of our personal sanctity. Without each of us striving for perfection - by the grace of God - Catholic social teaching will remain, as it sometimes seems to be, a marginal teaching of no real relevance to this world.
I'm reminded of those I know who are politically active, especially those concerned with "social justice." Now, politics consumes some of us more than others. I appreciate the efforts of those who understand the political process and attempt to use their knowledge to fight for justice. Yet we can't forget that our own personal sanctity must override this sort of activity.
Abbot John Chapman, O.S.B. writes:
If you read the Church's social teachings with attention and an open mind, you may see, as I have begun to see, that they are based on an clear and deep understanding of what the world ought to look like when we are all behaving in a just manner - that is when we are all behaving like good Catholics. This is why we, as the Church Militant, need to see ourselves as in the front lines of the fight for justice in this world. How else could it be for a real, authentic Catholic?
So think about this: you don't need to preach to others at work; just preach to yourself. Your behavior and the very work you do will reflect the striving for personal sanctity. It's a kind of virtuous circle here: strive for personal sanctity by doing your work well; your work will reflect your striving; your striving for personal sanctity will rub off on others who, over time, working with you, will in some way (or in many ways) perceive or "feel" the sensus Catholicus that marks your every word and deed. Again, we're talking the ideal here, and we all know what sinners we are, and how we will fall short - probably over and over again. But that's OK: that's why Our Lord instituted the Sacrament of Confession. We confess our sins, express our sorrow, perform our penance, and start all over again striving for perfection.
Meanwhile, don't be shy about learning more about the Church's social teachings - as long as you don't forget the most important thing: your own personal sanctity. Don't forget to "preach to yourself" today and everyday.
I'm reminded of those I know who are politically active, especially those concerned with "social justice." Now, politics consumes some of us more than others. I appreciate the efforts of those who understand the political process and attempt to use their knowledge to fight for justice. Yet we can't forget that our own personal sanctity must override this sort of activity.
Abbot John Chapman, O.S.B. writes:
For one can probably - or rather certainly - do more to convert the world by keeping very close to God, and growing in union with him, than by any outside work; although it seems difficult to believe sometimes. It is really best to preach a continual mission to oneself than an occasional one to others! And it is not selfishness for our own soul; for if God wants souls, He first wants mine from me, and until I have given it to Him entirely without any reserve, I have plenty to do for Him, without saving others' souls.That's why, from time to time, we provide suggestions in these posts about ways to keep God close even during the busiest work days. It's why we Catholics need to keep reminding ourselves that our own behavior needs to reflect our faith - specifically our love of Jesus Christ and our striving to be like Him in every thought, word and deed. Of course this isn't something most of can do instantly, or every day, never mind every moment. Most of us will live our entire lives falling far short of being like Christ. But we must never cease trying. Hence, Abbot Chapman's recommendation to "preach a continual mission to oneself."
If you read the Church's social teachings with attention and an open mind, you may see, as I have begun to see, that they are based on an clear and deep understanding of what the world ought to look like when we are all behaving in a just manner - that is when we are all behaving like good Catholics. This is why we, as the Church Militant, need to see ourselves as in the front lines of the fight for justice in this world. How else could it be for a real, authentic Catholic?
So think about this: you don't need to preach to others at work; just preach to yourself. Your behavior and the very work you do will reflect the striving for personal sanctity. It's a kind of virtuous circle here: strive for personal sanctity by doing your work well; your work will reflect your striving; your striving for personal sanctity will rub off on others who, over time, working with you, will in some way (or in many ways) perceive or "feel" the sensus Catholicus that marks your every word and deed. Again, we're talking the ideal here, and we all know what sinners we are, and how we will fall short - probably over and over again. But that's OK: that's why Our Lord instituted the Sacrament of Confession. We confess our sins, express our sorrow, perform our penance, and start all over again striving for perfection.
Meanwhile, don't be shy about learning more about the Church's social teachings - as long as you don't forget the most important thing: your own personal sanctity. Don't forget to "preach to yourself" today and everyday.
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