Human Dignity in the Story of Creation THY3_2023 PDF

HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE STORY OF CREATION THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz ○ Intellect (knowledge) HUMAN BEINGS AS THE CROWNING GLORY OF GOD’S CREATION God gave us the...

HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE STORY OF CREATION THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz ○ Intellect (knowledge) HUMAN BEINGS AS THE CROWNING GLORY OF GOD’S CREATION God gave us the ability to learn about Genesis 1:26-27 things and ○ "Let us make man in our understand them by image, after our likeness. Let the use of our them have dominion over the intellect. fish of the sea, the birds of Through our senses, the air, and the cattle, and we gain knowledge. over all the wild animals and ○ Freewill (freedom and all the creatures that crawl on responsibility) the ground." God created man a The dignity of the human person is rational being, rooted in his or her creation in the conferring on him the image and likeness of God. dignity of a person ○ Spiritual and immortal soul, who can initiate and intelligence and free will. control his own God created man in his own image, actions. in the image of God he created him; But the exercise of male and female he created them. freedom does not ○ Basis of Christian entail the putative anthropology, because it right or say or do identifies the foundation of anything. man's dignity as a person in True freedom is the his creation "in the likeness" power and right to do of God. that which is right and ○ Both man and woman are good. It is rooted in equally God’s masterpiece. reason and will, to act or not; to act to do IMAGO DEI this or that. Divine image is present in every The more one does man. what is good, the He is endowed with: freer one becomes. ○ Spiritual and immortal soul Human person is “The State values the dignity of every composed of body human person and guarantees full and soul. respect for human rights.” Every spiritual soul is created immediately by God and also that it is immortal.  HUMAN BEINGS AS A STEWARDS OF GOD’S CREATION Being an image of God also implies our responsibility to His creation (Stewardship). CARING FOR AND CULTIVATING THE WORLD INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING: Joyful appreciation of the God-given beauty and wonder of nature. Protection and preservation of the environment. Respect for human life. Development of this world through noble human effort. LAUDATO SI Pope Francis presents current ecological problems our world is facing such as the variety of forms of pollution, increasing deforestation, a disturbing warming of the climate, depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, the decline of quality of human life and relationships, and the global inequality gap between the poor and the rich. “Throwaway Culture” that ruthlessly consumes, exploits, and discards human life and our natural resources as one of the root causes HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE REDEMPTIVE ACT OF CHRIST THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz to reflect and to change their lives in order to be fully reintegrated into BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS society. The Philippine government adheres and believes that all persons have dignity whether one is a criminal or not. Logo or seal also summarizes its HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE REDEMPTIVE ACT OF CHRIST goal featuring a rehabilitated inmate (white) while in custody of the seven (7) prisons and penal farms (bars) PROTOEVANGELIUM through educational, therapeutic, The promise of salvation brought productive approaches and about by the sins of our ancestors is restorative justice. fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Redemption comes to us above all BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS FUNCTIONS through the blood of his cross, but 1. Safe keep prisoners convicted by this mystery is at work throughout courts. Christ's entire life: 2. Prevent prisoners from committing ○ In His Incarnation – “Word crimes. made flesh” 3. Provide inmates basic needs. ○ In His Hidden Life – 4. Ensure rehabilitation programs are Obedience made available to the inmates. ○ In His Word through 5. Develop livelihood programs to Teachings, Parables, assist inmates earn a living and Beatitudes, Prayers and develop their skills. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God “Prison life can acquire human features ○ In His Healings and and be enriched by a spiritual Exorcisms dimension... should be considered an ○ In His Resurrection essential element in a penal system that is more in conformity with human dignity.” Punishment cannot be reduced to mere retribution. Punishment and imprisonment have meaning, while maintaining the demands of justice and discouraging crime, they serve the rehabilitation of the individual by offering those who have made a mistake an opportunity  a. Israelites in the Promised Land THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS THE CROWNING TRUTH OF OUR FAITH IN The Israelites journeyed to CHRIST the Promised Land led by Moses. This pilgrimage of A faith believed and lived as the faith from deliverance from central truth by the first Christian Egyptian slavery to the land community. given to them by God so that Jesus‘ words, deeds and suffering He can establish Himself a had for its aim restoring fallen man relationship that was lost due to his original vocation. to the sin of Adam. This is a testament to the dignity of b. Parable of the Prodigal Son by human beings that despite the Fall Pope Francis and sinful nature, God affirms. In the parable of the Prodigal Christ continues to reveal Himself to Son, Pope Francis described us and expresses in different ways the father, with patience, particularly through our conversion love, hope, and mercy had and redemption. never for a second stopped Restoration of those who sinned and thinking about his loss. became slaves of sin finds its And as soon as he sees him foundation in the dignity of the still far off, he runs out to human person and redemption by meet him and embraces him Christ. with tenderness, the tenderness of God, without a RESTORATIVE JUSTICE word of reproach: his son Way of responding to ending the has returned and that causes effects of crime that makes the the joy of the father. In that people affected. embrace for his son, the Seeks to repair harm, to appropriate Pope exclaimed, is all that responsibility for the harm and to joy. involve those who have been The Pope reminded us that affected by the harm. God is always waiting for us; he never grows tired. Jesus shows us this merciful THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION OF OUR patience of God so that we HUMAN PILGRIMAGE: TO RETURN TO THE FATHER can regain confidence, hope always. God's patience has Our pilgrimage here on earth will be to call forth in us the courage finally fulfilled together with all to return to him, however creation, to share in Christ's many mistakes and sins resurrection and in the eternal there may be in our life. For communion of life with the Father we are not numbers, we are and the Holy Spirit. the most important thing to him. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT ON MAN AND SOCIETY HUMAN DIGNITY AS INVIOLABLE AND INALIENABLE THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN SOCIETY RIGHTS (UDHR) Group of persons bound together Milestone document in the history of organically by a principle of unity human rights. that goes beyond each one of them. Proclaimed by the United Nations Endures through time. General Assembly in Paris Requirement of man‘s nature (December 10, 1948). through exchange, mutual service Translated over 500 languages. and dialogue with others. Widely recognized as having ○ Love for neighbor and love inspired, and paved the way for, the for God. adoption of more than seventy Each community is defined by its human rights treaties. purpose and consequently obeys specific rules. Socialization ○ Expresses the natural INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS ON MAN tendency for human beings AND SOCIETY to associate with one another for the sake of attaining The human person is by nature a objectives that exceed social being. individual capacities. They are relational beings, who are free and responsible, recognize the necessity of integrating themselves PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY in cooperation with fellow human Community of a higher order should beings, and who are capable of not interfere in the internal life of a communion with them. community of a lower order, but They belong to various societies rather should support it in case of such as family, civil and religious need. communities, and are bound together by a principle of unity and common good. THREE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF COMMON GOOD The human person is an image of God and resembles the communion 1. Respect for the person as such of the divine persons in the Trinity. Fundamental and inalienable ○ He must therefore establish rights of the human person. himself a community with 2. Social well-being and other persons in order to live development of the group itself in a society. Development is the epitome of all social duties.  3. Peace ○ Where families cannot fulfill The stability and security of a their responsibilities, other just order. social bodies have the duty of helping them and of supporting the institution of Our laws also support the formation of these organizations: the family. Following the principle of subsidiarity, 1987 Philippine Constitution Article XIII. larger communities should Section 23. take care not to usurp the The state shall encourage family's prerogatives or non-governmental, interfere in its life. community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the DSWD welfare of the nation. The dignity of the human person is the Civil code of the Philippines Article 32 primary principle and the heart and soul The right to become a member of the social teaching of the Catholic of associations or societies for Church. purposes not contrary to law. Individual human beings are the foundation, the cause and the end of every social institution. FAMILY ○ Guarantees the sacred Most important unit of the society. dignity of the individual, the Original cell of social life. Church constructs her social ○ Husband and wife are called teaching. to give themselves in love Being in the image of God the human and in the gift of life. individual possesses the dignity of a ○ Family is the community in person, who is not just something, but which, from childhood, one someone. can learn moral values, begin For the Christian faith, the life, to honor God, and make ministry, death and resurrection of good use of freedom. Jesus Christ demonstrate that God Initiation into life in society. has a special purpose for human Must be helped and defended by beings. appropriate social measures. Human life is seen to be essentially Article XV. The Family of the 1987 social because human beings have been Philippine Constitution created in the image of God who is Section 1. The State recognizes the Trinity and who combines both unity and Filipino family as the foundation of relationship in self. the nation. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State.  HUMAN RIGHT DIGNITAS Mechanism to control the exercise of Romans and Cicero power so that it does not become People appointed to public offices dehumanizing of persons. and with higher status in the society Fundamental rights of human beings (Early Romans). which are essential to the exercise All humans by making distinction of human dignity. against animals where the former ○ These rights are possessed are governed by reason while the by human beings by the latter by bodily pleasures and mere fact of their being instinct (Cicero). human. ○ They are inherent in their IMAGO DEI BY ST. LEO THE GREAT nature, and far from being concessions by society or by To St Leo, persons have dignity due the state, instead society and to the fact that man is raised up the state have the duty to among other beings and made in defend and promote them. God’s image (Imago Dei). St Aquinas adopted this elevated beings of St Leo to his concept of DIGNITY OF HUMAN PERSON great chain of beings which means 1. Innate the higher the status of a being, the We were born with it. more dignity one possess. 2. Inviolable Cannot be violated. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN 3. Inalienable RIGHTS (UDHR) Cannot be taken away from The United Nations was established us. (1945) on accounts of horrors 4. Universal experienced from World War 2 Encompasses all humanity. particularly from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It recognizes the dignity of every person in Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The Preamble and first three articles of the declaration serve as its foundation of other rights. PREAMBLE Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.  Human rights should be protected by During the 60th anniversary of the the rule of law. Declaration, the Vatican reaffirmed its support to the goals of United Nations. Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. “The promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the eliminating inequalities between rights and freedoms set forth in this countries and social groups, and for Declaration. increasing security” Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, Persons sometimes exercise power in a liberty and security of person. way which dehumanizes other persons. Christian ethical reflection has arrived at the category of human 1987 Philippine Constitution rights. Article XIII: Social Justice and Human Rights Human rights are a mechanism to control the exercise of power so that it does not Section 1. The Congress shall give highest become dehumanizing of persons. priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity. Section 17. There is hereby created an independent office called the Commission on Human Rights. Section 18. The Commission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions: (1) Investigate, (2) Adopt its operational guidelines, (3) Provide appropriate legal measures, (4) Exercise visitorial power, (5) Establish a continuing program, (6) Recommend to the Congress effective measure to promote human rights, (7) Monitor the Ph Government’s compliance, (8) Grant immunity. PACEM IN TERRIS 1963 Landmark in the acceptance by the Catholic Christian Church of the UDHR. Papal magisterium presents a relatively complete and systematic catalog of human rights. SOCIAL MISSION OF THE CHURCH THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz The Church is always mindful of the Some terms related to conditions of the people in society. She Yahweh‘s sedakah are has the mission to proclaim the Gospel mercy, compassion and not only to those who are privileged and salvation. fortunate in life but also those who are It is identical with deliverance poor, marginalized, deprived, and and salvation. voiceless in the society. 2. Mishpath Forensic nature of justice. Social issues are also of prime concern Justice based on the context of the Church. of the failure of the right relationship. This is where Yahweh refuses injustice because the right relationship is being ORIGIN AND FOUNDATION OF THE SOCIAL MISSION violated. It is also a court of law Rooted in the Judeo-Christian wherein the accused is Tradition. punished and the victim is vindicated. SHALOM Yahweh is a judge who Yahweh is a righteous God in the punishes the wicked one and Old Testament so He encourages rewards the righteous one. His people as well to become just He corrects wrongdoings in and righteous in order to realize order to restore right peace or shalom (over-all harmony) relationship. in His Kingdom. The arbiter, the King-God, secures order in the community by applying the JUDEO-CHRISTIAN TRADITION mishpath. EXPRESSIONS OF JUSTICE 3. Hesed 1. Sedekah Loving kindness. Right relationship that God Yahweh is the epitome and has established example of doing hesed to demonstrates the way of others. justice for human beings in 4. Dikaiosune dealing with one another. Righteousness or justice. Manifested by Yahweh in His Jesus’ invitation to strive first relationship with Israel and for the Kingdom of God and with all things He has made. His righteousness. The word sedakah also The metaphor of the corresponds to Yahweh‘s Kingdom of God embodies righteousness. the way God relates with  people and sheds light on the ○ Blessed are the Merciful, word dikaiosune as the they shall obtain mercy. manner by which God wants ○ Blessed are Pure in Heart, to be. they shall see God. ○ Blessed are the In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Peacemakers, they shall be proclaims that the Kingdom of God is called children of God. already at hand and the Beatitudes are the ways to attain its fullness. GOSPEL Shows in an abundance of texts that God Reigns where the divine will is done. Jesus was not indifferent or The Lord‘s Prayer in Luke 11: 2-4 are extraneous to the problem of the petitions for the coming of God‘s Kingdom dignity and rights of the human and for the doing of the divine will. person. Jesus‘ concern was not limited to the The right situation is doing justice to forgiveness of sins: At all times He humankind for it is the one willed by God. stressed a real solidarity with the poorest and lowliest. PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD CHURCH Jesus‘ initial proclamation of the The Church continues to struggle for justice of God ― to bring good news the realization of the Kingdom of to the poor. God through ongoing renewal and Also entails renewal and consistent propagation of the Gospel righteousness by witnessing the through words and deeds. Gospel. The social mission of the Church is rooted in the ministry and mission of BEATITUDES OF JESUS Jesus Christ to love and serve by promoting and protecting the Considered as expressions and wellbeing of the human persons. ways to realize the right relationship in the Kingdom of God. According to Matthew: MISSION OF THE CHURCH ○ Blessed are you Poor, for 1. King yours is the kingdom of God. One’s commitment to serve ○ Blessed are you Hungry, you others through active shall be satisfied. participation to integrate ○ Blessed are you that Weep, human development. you shall laugh. 2. Priest ○ Blessed are those Mourn, Our capacity to pray for one they shall be comforted. another and our ability to ○ Blessed are the Meek, they establish a deeper shall inherit the earth.  relationship with God through DUC IN ALTUM prayer and worship. 3. Prophet “Put out into the deep” Proclaiming peace founded Each Catholic is a missionary. on truth, built according to He/she is immersed and conscious justice, integrated by charity of the signs of the times making and practiced in freedom. him/her capable of bringing people closer to the Kingdom of God. Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, we CHURCH & THE QUESTIONS OF ‘JUST are also fishers of men by RELATIONS’ AMONG PEOPLE witnessing our faith. The Church in the Philippines has been known as the forerunner of AS AGENT OF HOPE AND truth and justice among the Filipinos TRANSFORMATION regardless of ethnicity, gender and religion. Through baptism, members of the It is not to be identified with any Christian community are called to a political partisan in order to become holiness of life in the world befitting a credible herald of peace, justice disciples of Jesus. and truth. Discipleship is the fundamental vocation in which the Church's mission and ministry find full RESPECT VS. DISCRIMINATION meaning. The Church in the Philippines is ○ As disciples of Jesus, we are expected to be the advocate of called into communion with impartiality that shuns any form of both God and others and are discrimination, conflict and political sent in mission to proclaim animosity. the Good News of the ○ The Church is also called to Kingdom. promote respect for races, The Synod of Bishops spoke about genders, religions and point the relation between the Gospel and of views so that national unity justice: and healing are attainable. ○ Action on behalf of justice Discrimination and neglect are and participation in the obstacles to the full development of transformation of the world persons and of society as a whole. fully appear to us as a ○ Everyone has a role and constitutive dimension of the needs to have the preaching of the Gospel. opportunity to improve ○ The Church fulfills her themselves. mission of preaching the This aspiration can only be achieved Gospel when it teaches the through the recognition of people’s demands of justice. capacities, potentials, and rights. RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS OF OUR CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITIES 1. The Fact of Religious Pluralism The Church recognizes and defends the fundamental dignity of man to be free from coercion in matters religious. All men are called in freedom to Jesus Christ and to his Church. The Church preaches Christ crucified. All men and women are called by God to faith and baptism in Jesus Christ. 2. Truthful Tolerance The human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that: ○ All men are to be immune from coercion. ○ No one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs. ○ Not to be restrained from acting in accordance with his own beliefs. 3. Fidelity to Proclaim the Kingdom of God The Church, endowed with the gifts of her founder and faithfully observing his precepts of charity, humility and self-denial, received the mission of proclaiming and establishing. The Church‘s mission is the same as it was yesterday, today, and tomorrow: to evangelize the whole world. NATURE OF THE SOCIAL TEACHING OF THE CHURCH THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz ○ Capitalism and NATURE OF THE SOCIAL TEACHING OF THE CHURCH Socialism: both supposedly aimed at At the core of Christianity. improving the ○ Needs to be pointed out that conditions of every Jesus is an active agent. person’s life. His proclamation of the Kingdom of Modern social encyclicals God means that certain practices in were Catholic contributions the community would even have to to the talk about human be renewed. flourishing. Catholic Church has issued 1. The Truth of Faith important documents in order The First Christians were to officially announce its true followers of Christ in the stand on pertinent social sense that they have issues. endeavored to persevere in ○ Dignity of the human the ministry that Christ has person, subsidiarity, started. solidarity and the ○ Decisions in their preferential option for communities are the poor. done “in Each of these remembrance” of the documents memory of Christ. are grounded The Middle Ages Church, in the despite the infamous abuses Tradition of of some members of the the Church. hierarchy and the clergy, remains faithful to Christ’s call to bring about the reign NATURE OF THE SOCIAL TEACHING of love in our communities. a. Human Person as Imago Dei ○ Thomas Aquinas (Image of God) continues to talk Conviction that the human about justice and person occupies a central charity for the poor. role in the creation of God. The challenge to aid the Human person is the only needy in the community has creature that is created in the become more pressing with image and likeness of God. the emergence of modern Core-concept in the social ideologies. teaching of the Church.  The apex of the affirmation of c. Toward a Just and Humane human dignity is the coming Society according to God’s plan of Christ. God destined the earth and The centrality of the dignity of all it contains for all so that all the human person is even created things would be highlighted more with the shared fairly by all mankind Paschal Mystery of Christ. under the guidance of justice. He showed us that the cross The principle of the is not a meaningless symbol, Universal Destination of but is rather a testimony of Goods is an invitation to God’s love. develop an economic vision b. Celebrating our Shared Humanity, inspired by moral values that Out Human Interconnectedness permit people not to lose Yahweh’s covenant with sight of the origin or purpose Abraham and the people of of these goods. Israel is Yahweh’s own Everyone has the right to initiative and gift which is enjoy the conditions of social even beyond what humanity life. deserves. ○ The covenant is an 2. The Paradigm of Love and Justice expression of vs. the Way of Violence Yahweh’s willingness Love is the most identifying to reach out to His value of the Church's social people. teaching. ○ The covenant becomes the people’s a. The Way of Love and Justice assurance Love as a value is “the Decalogue: A commitment highest and universal that concerns not only fidelity criterion of the whole of to the one true God, but also social ethics.” the social relations among Love presupposes and the people of the Covenant. transcends justice. This A society that wishes and means that love builds upon intends to remain at the justice just like grace builds service of the human being upon nature. at every level is a society that A world with justice but has the common good. without love is equally as bad ○ The natural law unites or worse. peoples, enjoining ○ Summum ius, common principles. summa iniuria was a Roman maxim mentioned by Cicero. It is a brilliant, ambiguous saying  which can be CHURCH AUTONOMY FROM STATE translated, “extreme justice is the greatest a. From Separation injustice,” or an State has no official religion. "extreme justice is an State should not discriminate extreme wrong”. any religion. St. Thomas mentions in his Church should not control or Summa Theologiae: dominate any religious ○ The form of the group. virtues, and to The principle of the socialize it or separation of Church and institutionalize it into State is a reaction to some social and political medieval arrangement of charity. church-sponsored religions. Social charity In order to respect the makes us love autonomy of the Church, the the common State: good. ○ It shall not establish We need a new world order one religion as the that is grounded not only on religion of the State. secular values but on ○ It shall not favor one Christian love. religion over the other ○ Social and political ○ It shall foster the charity is not freedom of all exhausted in religious beliefs. relationships between ○ The Church prohibits individuals, but its ministers and extends to the priests to run for network formed by public office. communal Done in order relationships. to guard the b. Versus the Way of Violence Church’s role The Church does not as agent of approve the use of violence unity. and the use of arms because Separation of Church and it is aware that violence only State does not mean that the leads to more violence. Church and its ministers ○ Violence is never a cannot take a stand on proper response. social, economic and political ○ Violence is a lie. issues affecting the welfare c. Understanding ‘critical of the people. collaboration’ with the State ○ Church can The Church recognizes its encourage its autonomy from the State.  members to pursue their own options. ○ It is the individual Christian who decides based on his or her own conscience. b. To Cooperation Relationship between the Church and State, both have the same goal of reaching the common good and realizing the Kingdom of God. The distinction between the Church and the State does not imply a complete separation. ○ The Church cannot and must not replace the State. ○ The Church has the right and the duty to teach her social doctrine, to exercise her role freely among men, and also to pass moral judgment. ○ Both the Church and those who govern society are seeking to serve mankind. PARADIGMS 👍 👎 Way of Love and Justice - Way of Violence - Critical Collaboration with the State ○ Separation ○ Cooperation THE RESPONSE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: RENEWED INTEGRAL EVANGELIZATION THEOLOGY 3 THY3 | Prof. Cristine Amontos | Prelims @fleurainz The main task of the Church in the a. Community of Disciples Philippines is to encourage its flocks to Whose faith in Jesus is become active members of Christian expressed in a Church in communities and to lead people to mission that includes Asia authentic renewal. and the whole creation. Real community of disciples is patterned after the Holy VISION-MISSION OF THE 2ND PLENARY COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES Trinity where the three divine Persons: unique, equal and We, as church in the Philippines, united are in constant with total trust in god‘s love, envision sharing and in mission. ourselves as the community of It also approximates the early disciples, who firmly believe in the apostolic Christian Lord Jesus and joyfully live in communities. harmony and solidarity with one b. The Church of the Poor another, with creation, and with God. Priority must be programs for Following the way of our Lord, we the conscientization, opt to be a Church of the Poor, evangelization and which demands evangelical poverty organization of the of us all. marginalized poor. To achieve this vision, under the ○ Into small leading of the spirit of God and with communities of faith Mary as our guide, we shall embark and discernment. on a renewed integral evangelization ○ Into sectoral groups and witness to Jesus Christ‘s Gospel to attend to specific of salvation and liberation through needs in cultural, our words, deeds and lives. political, economic As bishops, priests, religious and and religious laity, we together commit ourselves institutions. to implement the spirit and decrees This is empowerment of the of the Second Plenary Council of the laity especially the poor for Philippines in order to inculturate active participation and gospel values in our milieu by this leadership in the Church‘s shall kaayusan (order in harmony) life and mission. be achieved through persons who are maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makabayan and maka-buhay. c. Basic Ecclesial Communities or ○ It witnesses the BECs as Community of Disciples coming of God's Kingdom. It is prophetic community that proclaims the message of the Kingdom. ○ As Community of Disciples, the BECs celebrate the presence of Christ in the Sacraments. BECs are concerned about the plight of the poor and the needy, those who are sick, who are hungry, who are in prison. ○ They actively participate in the building of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice, The vision of the Church as peace and love. community of disciples can be concretely experienced in the BECs. ○ Without the BECs, 9 PASTORAL PRIORITIES OF THE the communitarian CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES nature of the Church 1. Integral Faith Formation and of discipleship At the heart of pastoral remains an renewal is faith formation. abstraction. We must have integral faith ○ The ordinary to fulfill our vocation and Christians are mission. awakened to their call It has to be a discerning faith to live their that sees the action of God in discipleship fully and our lives and in our actively and in the communities. context of the 2. Empowerment of the Laity toward community. Social Transformation The community of disciples is We shall promote and an evangelized and support the exercise of the evangelizing community. God-given gifts and charisms of lay people.  Lay people must take the For genuine lead in social transformation. servant-leadership, we shall 3. Active Presence and Participation provide effective clergy of the Poor in the Church formation in human If we are to become a development, spirituality, Church of the poor, we must scripture, theology, pastoral be evangelically poor. care and mission. We shall learn from the poor 7. Journeying with the Youth and seek to liberate The youth are the most ourselves from values, numerous in our population. behavior and lifestyles that They are some of the most discriminate against the poor. active workers of renewal in 4. The Family as the Focal Point of the Church and in society. Evangelization But they are also most The family is the basic cell of vulnerable to the negative the Church and society. developments in our rising Many cultural distortions technological society. originate in the family. We affirm their gifts and Integral faith formation must, immense capacity to pursue therefore, take place in the the Christian ideal in their family for all members. lives and in society. The family has to become a We shall dialogue with them, key agent of proclaiming the enter their world, and journey Gospel. with them toward the maturity 5. Building and strengthening of of Christ to which we all Participatory Communities that aspire. make up the Parish as a 8. Ecumenism and Interreligious Community of Communities Dialogue We shall support the growth To achieve the unity that and strengthening of Basic Christ willed, we shall strive Ecclesial Communities. to eradicate prejudices, grow We shall strive to integrate in deeper understanding and them in parish life and appreciation of other faiths, activities and develop and religious traditions, structures of coordination especially Islam. and participatory As a way of healing, decision-making. reconciliation and national 6. Integral Renewal of the Clergy unity, we shall encourage To address the lack of dialogue among all sectors of witnessing by some of the society. clergy, we shall ensure deeper dialogue of life between the clergy and the poor. 9. Animation and Formation for world will once more take “Missio Ad Gentes” notice and exclaim again. We shall respond to the Holy b. Evangelization in a Digital World Father‘s challenge that In today‘s world, you are not Filipinos become ―the “in” if you are not in the foremost missionaries for all digital world. of Asia. The Church has to enter this Therefore, we shall ensure world and use it to that mission animation and communicate the Good formation will be integral to News to all peoples. religious formation in the The digital world is where family, schools, and other people live today and where institutes of formation. they can be reached. To neglect to use these means is to neglect one of the most potent instruments the Lord has given us to NEW EVANGELIZATION communicate the Good Technical term used by Pope John News to all peoples. Paul II in his encyclical Redemptoris c. Evangelization and Conversion Missio in 1992 in order to revitalize The first response that is the faith, give dynamism to the expected of those who heard building up of the Church and to the preaching of the Good draw people to unity. News is repentance. Can be new in its ardor, methods, The Greek word used in the and expression. New Testament for Call for the baptized members of the repentance is metanoia. Church to deepen their faith and What is to repent? It is to reach out to other Christians in deep change. need of a new encounter with Christ. ○ First, it is a change of In modern times this means mind, a change in our re-proposing the Gospel to people in way of thinking, a countries and cultures heavily change in our influenced by secularization. “pananaw.” ○ Second is a change NEW EVANGELIZATION IS DOABLE of heart, a change in THROUGH our attitude, in our a. Evangelization by Attraction “kalooban.” When our communities show ○ The third change is a a Christ-like love change of behavior or characterized by joyful unity “pagkilos.” as exemplified by the first Christian communities the  The laity participate in the HOW DO I RESPOND TO THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH? priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of the Church by A. Rationalizing the Church’s virtue of their Baptism and Involvement Confirmation. The Church is called to be B. Promoting the Culture of Dialogue involved in responding and The sacred dignity of each eradicating those social person and the call to love concerns. one’s neighbor as an essential element of one’s B. Global Realities of the Church’s love of God combine to Involvement demand that all differences The Church is called to be be explored and all conflicts involved in responding to be addressed through those issues. respectful dialogue. C. Local Realities of the Church’s This applies to religious Involvement differences as well as The Church is also called to political, economic, social be involved in promoting and cultural ones. justice, solidarity and the Only through patient, common good. respectful dialogue do people grow beyond the limitations of their experience, perceptions, opinions and DUTY OF THE LAY FAITHFUL TO THE values. SOCIETY Each person is a unique part A. As One Church of the tapestry of creation, of It is the proper duty of the lay the mosaic of the human faithful to proclaim the family. Gospel with an exemplary Only through dialogue can witness of life. new level of understanding The lay faithful are called to and appreciation be achieved cultivate an authentic lay in the human community. spirituality. The art of dialogue is The lay faithful are able to effective among Filipinos contribute to the because they are used to sanctification of the world. start small talk. The role of the laity is in a ○ They are also special way to seek the comfortable to Kingdom of God by engaging engage with serious in temporal affairs and conversation or ordering them according to dialogue. the plan of God. C. Translating Faith into our UST-OCD-Simbahayanan Thoughts, Words and Actions (TOMAS) Experience From Curiosity to Advocacy ○ Simbahayan has ○ We need to walk our conducted community talk. organizing through ○ The first step in their partner translating faith into communities. action is by being ○ UST has been aware of existing successful in utilizing social problems and TOMAS experience in concerns. implementing its ○ Followed by personal projects and expression of programs. commitment in ○ UST offers training in initiating and organizing, organizing advocacy management, projects. program and project Salamanca Congress: analysis. Dominicans in the Promotion ○ Offers training and and Defense of Human community building Rights through CREED, Aral, ○ Bringing leaders of Asal at Dasal, among Dominican intellectual others. institutions together for the promotion and defense of human rights. ○ Hopefully it will result in a deeper integration of the intellectual and apostolic life. Recover the history of the involvement of Dominicans. ○ Identify and evaluate the current engagement of Dominicans. ○ Develop networks and policies. ○ Promote networks of collaboration.