Everyday faith brings justice

"The social teaching doesn't say, 'Go out and create programs,'" said Victoria Onderdonk-Milne, pastoral associate for outreach ministry at St. Luke's parish in Schenectady.

To transform the world, each Catholic, she said, should live out that social teaching in their everyday lives as parents, spouses, workers, neighbors and friends.

Laity's work

While Church-sponsored social service programs are important, they aren't the only means to serve those in need, say the American bishops. By living out their faith in all aspects of life, Catholics can spread the Gospel message.

In their statement, "Everyday Christianity: To Hunger and Thirst for Justice," the U.S. bishops write: "There is simply no substitute for Catholic men and women carrying their faith into the world. Everyday discipleship for justice and the Church's organized social ministry can reinforce one another, and help shape a more just society and more peaceful world."

Living faith

* The family is the starting point for teaching justice. The way Catholics treat their parents, spouses and children reflects the commitment to justice. How Catholics spend their time and money and the lessons taught to children should reflect charity, service, and justice.

* In the workplace, Catholics are called to use their talents, do the ordinary well, treat others with dignity, and work with integrity and creativity. Decisions should be made with the lens of faith. "Decisions made at work can make important contributions to an ethic of justice. Catholics have the often difficult responsibility of choosing between competing values in the workplace. This is a measure of holiness," the bishops write.

* Investors have a responsibility to do right for the weak and vulnerable. The bishops note: "Decisions about the use of capital have moral implications: Are they creating and preserving quality jobs at living wages? Are they building up community through the goods and services they provide? Do policies and decisions reflect respect for human life and dignity, promote peace and preserve God's creation? While economic returns are important, they should not take precedence over the rights of workers or protection of the environment."

* As consumers, Catholics can purchase goods and services provided by companies that defend life, treat employees fairly and respect basic moral values. Catholics should also examine their purchases to determine if they are necessary and strive to consume less.

* Using their unique talents and gifts, Catholics are good stewards. The bishops write, "When we labor with honesty, serve those in need, work for justice and contribute to charity, we use our talents to show our love -- and God's love -- for our brothers and sisters."

* American Catholics have a responsibility to participate in government so that Catholic social teaching is reflected. "We cannot be indifferent to or cynical about the obligations of citizenship," the bishops write. "Our political choices should not reflect simply our own interests, partisan preferences or ideological agendas, but should be shaped by the principles of our faith and our commitment to justice, especially to the weak and vulnerable. The voices and votes of lay Catholics are needed to shape a society with greater respect for human life, economic and environmental justice, cultural diversity, and global solidarity."

Everyday faith

She cited as an example an office staff that banded together to provide support to a co-worker who could no longer work because of a chronic illness. The cards, phone calls and support are examples of fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of Christians.

Parishioners at St. Luke's live out their Christian responsibility in many ways, she noted, including driving the homebound to doctor's appointments, providing furnishings to those in need, and offering hospitality.

Listening to someone in need, being friendly and welcoming during Sunday worship, or taking a meal to a sick friend are easy ways to live out the faith in the world, she added.

First duty

"Our responsibility is for our neighbors," she said. "Often, this is the most neglected aspect of our faith. People go to church, pray and put money into the collection, but they don't do anything else. With each person [in need], we have the opportunity to [see] the face of Jesus."

Each Catholic living out the social teaching in the world can make a great difference, she continued. "We do this because there's nothing else that has such an impact," she said.

Beneficial

For example, someone who is good with numbers could volunteer to assist someone in need with their taxes, someone talented at writing could write letters to legislators, and a talented cook could bring meals to someone in need.

"Every person has a different gift," Ms. Onderdonk-Milne said. "Their gifts are what the world is waiting for."

(03-07-02) [[In-content Ad]]