Inspirations from the Course on Catholic Social Teaching

It was two days before the deadline that I submitted my course enrolment form. I had been hesitant about enrolling in the course on Catholic Social Teaching as I had limited knowledge about the subject. Besides, I thought the implementation of the social mission was only the concern of certain individuals or communities. I was even under the impression that our faith was merely reliant on our personal relationship with God. Social or even world affairs, on the other hand, were far beyond me.



Now, however, I realize that the Catholic Social Doctrine refers to the 11 encyclical letters written by the popes or bishops of different eras in response to the social and political situation of the time, providing new concepts and solutions to existing problems and challenges after careful analysis. Through dialoguing with the world, Social Teaching also provides people of different eras with the values of life in line with their faith as well as social norms coherent with human social behavior. In addition, Social Teaching, based on the evangelical spirit, helps the Christians to reflect on their faith and to make the correct decisions and choices when their conscience happens to conflict with practical issues. Moreover, Social Teaching places emphasis on the Role of the Prophet the Church ought to play, encouraging the Catholics to properly carry out their civic responsibilities, to insist on the truth of Christian faith and bravely put forth their point of view regarding social affairs.



Then what inspirations have I got from the course? What viewpoints do I need to express publicly? I think one of the problems worth reflecting on is that about human rights. For a long time there has been social concern about individual rights. However, the human rights advocated by the church are concerned with the dignity and rights of the individual as well as the overall interests of mass society. As God has entrusted mankind to take care of the world, the use of the earth and its ownership is inseparable.



At present Macau’s society seems affluent. In fact, however, economic development is inclined towards the gaming industry. The government also allows property speculators to maximize their profits by snapping up land unceasingly, resulting in serious social problems: Resources are unevenly distributed; there is a widening gap between the rich and the poor; the rent has soared beyond the means of the average man, low-wage earners are obliged to put up with the poor living conditions in cramped super-tiny slum apartments. The high rent has also caused many shops to wind up their business. Those that manage to survive have to raise the prices of goods, resulting in high living costs and mounting social complaints. “The lack of housing is being experienced universally and is due in large measure to the growing phenomenon of urbanization.35 Even the most highly developed peoples present the sad spectacle of individuals and families literally struggling to survive, without a roof over their heads or with a roof so inadequate as to constitute no roof at all. ( SOLLICITUDO REI SOCIALIS 17) ” God created heaven and earth to enable all mankind to have the opportunity to enjoy all the resources. Land ownership should not be the exclusive right of certain wealth groups. It is definitely social injustice if only a few selfish persons are allowed to grab the resources unceasingly, depriving others of their basic needs. “In using them, therefore, man should regard the external things that he legitimately possesses not only as his own but also as common in the sense that they should be able to benefit not only him but also others. (PASTORAL CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD 9)” Therefore, the government has the responsibility to take every possible measure to put an end to this injustice and ensure that every citizen is entitled to the right of survival.



On the other hand, as a Christian, I also have my responsibility for justice. While taking delight in my possession of a decent shelter, have I turned a blind eye to those who have nowhere to call their home? Have I seen property investment as a means to financial security, thus contributing to the spree of unhealthy speculation unknowingly? In his ‘’SOLLICITUDO REI SOCIALIS” Pope John Paul II said, “ … it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.” This is the spirit of solidarity advocated by the pope. He put special stress on the care of the poor, considering this the primary and special way to put Christian love into practice. Therefore, if we care only to accumulate wealth and show no concern for the poor and underprivileged, we would be like the rich man who had no compassion for Lazarus. (Luke 16: 19-31)



The course has inspired me of the true meaning of Jesus Christ’s request for us to love God and our neighbors. Besides trying to establish a relationship with God, we should also show a genuine concern about the other members of society. And every effort we make to contribute to social justice is the manifestation of our concern for our neighbors. Of course, my knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching is only skin deep. I am willing to pursue further studies in this field and I hope also to arouse the awareness of its importance among the youngsters through my Sunday school teaching.