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CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Ang tao ay hindi alipin ng kanyang emosyon UNIT 1: HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE ay instinct STORY OF SALVATION...

CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Ang tao ay hindi alipin ng kanyang emosyon UNIT 1: HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE ay instinct STORY OF SALVATION Niccolo Machiavelli How should we understand the human “Men by nature is evil. They are ungrateful, person? fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun danger and are greedy for profit.” BIOLOGY End justifies the mean (ex: kapag nandaya bipedal primates belonging to the ka, makakapasa ka) mammalian species Homo sapiens (Latin: "wise man" or "knowing man"). Rene Descartes Study of life “Cogito ergo sum.” (I think, therefore I am) Lahat umiikot lang sa isip ng sarili PSYCHOLOGY Kung ano ang tingin ko, yun ang tama have a highly developed brain capable of Self-referential abstract reasoning, language, and Sa sarili umiikot ang mundo introspection; possesses consciousness, self-awareness, and a mind corresponding Thomas Hobbes roughly to the mental processes of thought “The life of man (in a state of nature) is Study of mind solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” SOCIOLOGY Ang buhay ng tao ay miserable/malungkot “Man is, by nature, a social animal”; cannot dahil solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short live alone; must satisfy certain natural basic ito needs in order to survive; has to enter into Once you are born, you have to survive relationships with his fellowmen for living a life Albert Camus “Man is the only creature who refuses to be Philosophers what he is.” To choose not to choose is a choice in itself Tinatanggihan natin kung sino tayo Lucius Annaeus Seneca Naniniwala sa sinasabi ng iba kasi you want “We are members of one great body, planted to fit in by nature… We must consider that we were People pleaser born for the good of the whole.” We’re born to socialize Fyodor Dostoevsky We’re born for the common good Man is a mystery. It needs to be unravelled, and if you spend your whole life unravelling it, Titus Maccius Plautus don't say that you've wasted time.” “Homo homini lupus est.” (Man is a wolf to We discover the meaning of life when we live his fellow man) in it. People are selfish, mapanglamang, sakim George Berkeley St. Thomas Aquinas “Esse est percipi.” (To be is to be perceived) “Individua substantia rationalis naturae.” We all want to be appreciated, seen, (Individual substance of a rational nature) recognized People are rational creatures Opposite of love is indifference Compared sa animals, ang mga tao ay marunong mag-isip  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Jean Paul Sartre Nutrition “Man is condemned to be free.” operation by which life is conserved Lahat tayo pinanganak para maging malaya vital operation which transforms food into Pinanganak tayong walang kwenta para nutritive substances by the process of ikaw mismo maghanap ng pupose mo sa metabolism and the ability to assimilate buhay mo these nutritive materials to the different parts of the body. Martin Heidegger “Man is a being unto death.” Growth What motivates us is the deadline Augmentation: operation by which living Nagkakaroon ka ng kahulugan kasi alam beings acquire by nourishment the quantity mong may hangganan ang buhay mo. characteristic to it (motis a minore ad majorem quantitatem) Hierarchy of Being (Scala Naturae) result of the assimilation of food. vital operation by which, e.g., the baby increase in size and obtain the 1. God development characteristic of the species to 2. Angels (doesn’t have physical body) which it belongs 3. Humans 4. Animals Reproduction 5. Plants operation by which a new organism is 6. Minerals generated from a previous organism (origo viventis a principio vivente conjuncto in Soul similitudinem naturae). “primus actus corporis physici organici” vital process whereby living beings, after (first act of a physical organic body) reaching maturity, perpetuate their species. principle of life: any being that manifests life and thereby performs vital operations have Locomotion a soul; any living being is a besouled being. operation that manifests the capacity to move from one place to another. OPERARE SEQUITUR ESSE (Operation follows Being) Sensation operation that manifests the capacity to perceive accidental properties of things Intellection Considered as an immaterial operation its object is the idea, an immaterial presentation of reality Volition an immaterial operation its object is the idea which is immaterial a movement consequent upon the immaterial apprehension of the intellect  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Kinds of Souls A. Human beings as the Crowning Glory of God’s Creation 1. VEGETATIVE SOUL (plants) - Growth "God created man in his own image, in the image of - Nutrition God he created him.”(Gn 1: 27). - Reproduction 2. SENSIENT SOUL (animals) - This statement is the basis of Christian - Growth anthropology, because it identifies the - Nutrition foundation of man's dignity as a person in his - Reproduction creation "in the likeness" of God. - Sensation - St. John Paul II in his General - Locomotion Audience 1999 3. RATIONAL SOUL (human) - Growth “The dignity of the human person is rooted in his or - Nutrition her creation in the image and likeness of God. - Reproduction Endowed with a spiritual and immortal soul, - Sensation intelligence and free will, the human person is - Locomotion ordered to God and called in soul and in body to - Intellection eternal beatitude.” How should we understand the Human Person in the Imago Dei light of the Sacred Scriptures? UNIT 1: Lesson 1: Human Dignity in the The divine image is present in every man. Story of Creation He is endowed with: "a spiritual and immortal" soul, a. Human beings as the crowning glory of Intellect (knowledge) God’s creation Freewill (freedom) b. Human beings as stewards of God’s Endowed with"a spiritual and immortal" soul, creation The human person is composed of body and Genesis 1:26-27 soul. Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after "then the LORD God formed man of dust our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish from the ground, and breathed into his of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over nostrils the breath of life; and man became a all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on living being." (Gen. 2:7) the ground." Every spiritual and immortal soul is - God created man in his image; in the divine created immediately by and ordered to God. image he created him; male and female he created them. Intellect God gave us the ability to learn about things and understand them by the use of our intellect. Through our senses, we gain knowledge of things around us.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Caring for and cultivating the world involves: Freedom and Responsibility Joyful appreciation of the God-given beauty and wonder of nature - God created man a rational being, conferring Protection and preservation of the on him the dignity of a person who can environment, which would be the stewardship initiate and control his own actions. (CCC of ecological concern; 1730) Respect for human life—shielding life from - but the exercise of freedom does not entail the threat and assault, doing everything that can putative right to say or do anything. be done to enhance this gift and make life flourish; True freedom is the power and right to do that Development of this world through noble which is right and good. It is rooted in reason and human effort— physical labor, the trades and will, to act or not; to act to do this or that, and so to professions, the arts and sciences. We call such perform deliberate actions on one's own effort "work." Work is a fulfilling human responsibility. vocation. The more one does what is good, the freer one Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si presents becomes. There is no true freedom except in the current ecological problems our world is facing service of what is good and just. The choice to such as the variety of forms of pollution, increasing disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and deforestation, a disturbing warming of the climate, one becomes a slave to sin. depletion of natural resources (especially quality drinking water), loss of biodiversity, the decline of “The State values the dignity of every human person quality of human life and relationships, and the and guarantees full respect for human rights.” global inequality gap between the poor and the rich. - Philippine Constitution, Article 2 Section 11 “throwaway culture” ruthlessly consumes, exploits, and discards human life and our natural B. Human beings as the Stewards of resources God’s Creation 1 DAY, NIGHT 4 SUN, MOON, STARS Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after 2 WATER, SKY 5 BIRDS, SEA our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish CREATURES of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on 3 LAND, VEGETATION 6 LIVESTOCK, CREEPING THINGS, the ground." HUMANS "In our day, there is a growing awareness that world peace is threatened not only by the arms race, regional conflicts and continued injustices among peoples and nations, but also by a lack of due respect for nature, by the plundering of natural resources and by a progressive decline in the quality of life.“ - St John Paul II during the Celebration of World Peace January 1, 1990 - Being an image of God also implies our responsibility to His creation (Stewardship)  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS UNIT 1: Lesson 2: Human Dignity in the How does human dignity find its Redemptive Act of Christ and significance in the redemptive act of Christ? Ultimate Destination of Human Pilgrimage A. Human Dignity in the Redemptive Act of Christ How important is the Human Person in the eyes of God? Protoevangelum The Philippines Government adheres and believes that all persons have dignity whether one is a criminal or - The promise of salvation brought about by not the sins of our ancestors is fulfilled in Jesus Christ The bureau of corrections’ functions are: - “I will put enmity between you and the safe keep prisoners woman, and between your offspring and prevent prisoners from committing crimes hers; He will strike at your head, while you provide inmates basic needs strike at his heel.” ensure rehabilitation programs are made - Genesis 3:15 available to the inmates for their physical, intellectual, and spiritual development develop livelihood programs to assist inmates to earn a living and develop their skills while in prison The Bureau of Corrections' logo or seal also summarizes its goal featuring a rehabilitated inmate (white) while in custody of the seven (7) prisons and penal farms (bars) thru educational, Redemption comes to us above all through the therapeutic, productive blood of his cross, but this mystery is at work approaches and restorative throughout Christ’s entire life: justice. Incarnation - “word made flesh” Hidden Life - obedience He looks forward to a brighter future (rays of the Word through Teachings, Parables, sun), but would need the assistance of his family and Beatitudes, Prayers, and Proclamation of the loved ones, the society, and the church, for him to Kingdom of God completely undergo a transformation and Healing and Exorcisms re-integrate successfully into the community Resurrection The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ A faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament, and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Jesus’ words, deeds, and suffering had for their The Ultimate Destination of our aim restoring fallen man to his original vocation Human Pilgrimage: To Return to the - This is a testament to the dignity of human Father beings that despite the fall and sinful nature, God affirms, and transcends the Our pilgrimage here on earth will be finally fulfilled elevated nature of humanity together with all creation, to share in Christ's resurrection and in the eternal communion of life Christ continues to reveal Himself to us and with the Father and the Holy Spirit. expresses himself in different ways, particularly through our conversion and redemption a. Israelites in the Promised Land In the Old Testament, the Israelites journeyed to the Restoration of those who sinned and became Promised Land led by Moses. This pilgrimage of slaves of sin finds its foundation in the dignity of faith from deliverance from Egyptian slavery to the the human person and redemption by Christ through land given to them by God so that He can establish the programs of the Church, government, and other Himself a relationship that was lost due to the sin of groups Adam. Restorative Justice The covenant that God established with Abraham, chosen to be the father of a multitude of nations, opens Restorative justice in the criminal justice the way for the human family to make a return to the system is a way of responding to ending the Father. effects of crime that make the people affected. b. Parable of the Prodigal Son by Pope Restorative justice seeks to repair harm, to Francis appropriate responsibility for the harm, In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Pope Francis and to involve those who have been described the father, with patience, love, hope, affected by the harm, including the and mercy had never for a second stopped thinking community, in the resolution. about his lost son. Prison life can acquire human features and be And as soon as he sees him still far off, he runs out to enriched by a spiritual dimension... should be meet him and embraces him with tenderness, the considered an essential element in a penal system tenderness of God, without a word of reproach: his son that is more in conformity with human dignity. has returned and that causes the joy of the father. In - Punishment cannot be reduced to mere that embrace for his son, the Pope exclaimed, is all that retribution, much less take the form of social joy. retaliation or a sort of institutional vengeance. The Pope reminded us that God is always waiting for us; he never grows tired. Jesus shows us this Punishment and imprisonment have meaning if, merciful patience of God so that we can regain while maintaining the demands of justice and confidence, hope-always. God's patience has to call discouraging crime, they serve the rehabilitation of forth in us the courage to return to him, however the individual by offering those who have made a many mistakes and sins there may be in our life. For mistake an opportunity to reflect and to change their we are not numbers, we are the most lives in order to be fully reintegrated into society.” important thing to him. (Merciful Father, 2016) - St John Paul II (Jubilee in Prisons, 2009)  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS himself/herself. It is a rupture of possibility UNIT 1: Lesson 3: Introductory Concept on of life of communion. Man and Society & Human Dignity Human being who is not in communion with as Inviolable ang Inalienable other tries to grasp his/her life alone, when this becomes absolute, there is a danger of making a judgment and using it as basis of the understanding of realities around him. How important is society in the life of an individual person? Human being demands acceptance for what he thinks and says but he can’t find himself in this way. WHY DO I NEED OTHER PEOPLE? I can only realize itself in the face of the other; without the encounter with an other, the I will not be aware of its uniqueness. To say I is already to acknowledge the other. It is in open communication that human being’s true self can manifest himself to other human beings and experiences self-realization. “Man cannot become himself in isolation.” - Karl Jaspers “Self-consciousness can never be achieved in isolation; it is a product of our interaction with the world.” - Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel “The self exists in so far as it treats itself as being for another, with reference to another.” - Gabriel Marcel The Self in Isolation Intersubjectivity When one does not recognize the Presupposes human being’s connectivity existence of other human beings—lives in with other human beings a community but doesn’t establish the different ways by which embodied spirits vocative situation with others and relate to one another. doesn’t establish relational interaction We share the same situations wherein we that leads to open communication with others. can create shared meanings. These When one consciously leaves the meanings become bases for our collective communicative situation, consequently he actions and beliefs. Nonetheless, these can’t unveil and discover shared meanings do not eliminate our own individuality. Though share meanings become channels of collective actions, they do  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS not demand uniformity of expressions of these Society is a requirement of man‘s nature through actions. Continuous sharing of meaning leads exchange, mutual service and dialogue with to open communication of myself to the others. By this he develops and responds to his other. The unveiling of myself to other vocation – love for neighbor and love for God. human beings leads me to a deeper knowledge of myself: self-knowledge towards the Each community is defined by its purpose and manifestation and realization of my selfhood. consequently obeys specific rules; but “the human person... is and ought to be the principle, the The Human Person is by Nature a subject and the end of all social institutions.” (CCC Social Being 1881) God, Who has fatherly concern for everyone, has willed They are relational beings, who are free and that all men should constitute one family and treat responsible, recognizes the necessity of one another in a spirit of brotherhood. For having integrating themselves in cooperation with been created in the image of God, Who "from one fellow human beings, and who is capable of man has created the whole human race and made them communion with them. live all over the face of the earth" (Acts 17:26), all men They belong to various societies such as are called to one and the same goal, namely God family, civil and religious communities, Himself. GS. 24 and are bound together by a principle of unity and common good. PRINCIPLES TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE SOCIETY OR IN FORMING A Society GROUP OR COMMUNITY They are relational beings, who are free and 1. SOCIALIZATION responsible, recognizes the necessity of 2. SUBSIDIARITY integrating themselves in cooperation with 3. COMMON GOOD fellow human beings, and who is capable of communion with them. Principle of Socialization They belong to various societies such as family, civil and religious communities, and are bound together by a principle of unity expresses the natural tendency for human and common good. beings to associate with one another for the sake of attaining objectives that exceed individual capacities. It develops the qualities of the person, How does the Church understand Society? especially the sense of initiative and responsibility, and helps guarantee his rights. (CCC 1882) Society Principle of Subsidiarity a group of persons bound together organically by a principle of unity that goes "a community of a higher order should not beyond each one of them. As an assembly that interfere in the internal life of a community of a is at once visible and spiritual, a society end lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but ures through time... He rightly owes loyalty to rather should support it in case of need and help to the communities of which he is part and coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of respect to those in authority who have charge society, always with a view to the common good.” of the common good. (CCC, 1880) (CCC 1883)  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as Principle of Common Good: Essential the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall Elements strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development. 1. Respect for the person as such. - Fundamental and inalienable Section 2. Marriage, as an inviolable social rights of the human person. institution, is the foundation of the family and shall 2. Social well-being and development of be protected by the State. the group itself ➔ Where families cannotfulfill their - Development is the epitome of all responsibilities, other social bodies have the social duties duty of helping them and of supporting the 3. Peace institution of the family. Following the - The stability and security of a just principle of subsidiarity, larger communities order. should take care not to usurp the family's prerogatives or interfere in its life. (CCC 2209) Our laws also support the formation of these organizations: For example, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has a mandate to take 1987 Philippine Constitution Article XIII Sec. custody of abandoned children: 23 ➔ “In response to inquiries on cases of child The State shall encourage abandonment, the Department of Social non-governmental, community-based, Welfare and Development (DSWD) stressed or sectoral organizations that promote the that its primary mandate is to intervene on welfare of the nation. behalf of abandoned children to ensure their Civil Code of the Philippines Article 32 welfare and protection. This came at the The right to become a member of heels of cases of children being abandoned in associations or societies for purposes not public places... contrary to law; ➔ "DSWD can take custody of abandoned children, foundlings." Department of Social Both the Church and the State recognizes the family Welfare and Development website. March 28, as the most important unit of the society. 2018 The family is the original cell of social life. A natural How should we understand the concept of the society in which husband and wife are called to give human person in relation to human rights? themselves in love and in the gift of life... The family In what way do human rights conform to is the community in which, from childhood, one can values related to human dignity? learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom. Family life is an initiation The dignity of the human person is the primary into life in society. principle and the heart and soul of the social teaching of the Catholic Church. The family must be helped and defended by appropriate social Being in the image of God the human individual measures possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but someone. Kinds of Souls ➔ For the Christian faith, the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrate that God has a special purpose Article XV. The Family of the 1987 Philippine for human beings. This remnant of the divine Constitution image and purpose conferred by God carries  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS the implication that people are to be honored Dignitas by the early Romans & Cicero and treated as sacred. This teaching rests on one basic principle: individual Early Romans used the term dignitas human beings are the foundation, the cause, referring to people appointed to public and the end of every social institution. That is offices and with higher status in the necessarily so, for men are by nature social beings... society. On this basic principle, which guarantees the Then Cicero redefined Dignitas referring to all sacred dignity of the individual, the Church humans by making distinction against constructs her social teaching. animals where the former are governed by (Mater et Magistra 218-220) reason while the latter by bodily pleasures and instinct. To him, dignity encompasses not Human life is seen to be essentially social because only of those who were persons of authority human beings have been created in the image of God and wealth but includes all humanity. who is Trinity and who combines both unity and relationship in self. Imago Dei by St Leo the Great Persons sometimes exercise power in a way which St. Leo the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas also dehumanizes other persons. For this reason, used the term dignitas referring to dignity of human Christian ethical reflection has arrived at the person. To St Leo, persons have dignity due to the fact category of human rights. Human rights are a that man is raised up among other beings and made mechanism to control the exercise of power so that in God’s image (Imago Dei). it does not become dehumanizing of persons. ➔ St. Aquinas adopted this elevated beings of St Human rights may be defined as those fundamental Leo to his concept of the great chain of beings rights of human beings which are essential to the which means the higher the status of a exercise of human dignity being, the more dignity one possesses. These rights are possessed by human beings by the mere fact of their being human. They are inherent in their nature, and far Universal Declaration of Human from being concessions by society or by the Rights (UDHR) state, instead, society and the state have the duty to defend and promote them The United Nations was established (1945) on accounts of horrors experienced from World War 2 The dignity of human person is: particularly from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It recognizes the dignity of every person in Universal Innate: we were born with it Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The Preamble Inviolable: cannot be violated and first three articles of the declaration serve as its Inalienable: cannot be taken away from us foundation of other rights. Universal: encompasses all humanity 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… that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS ➔ Article 1 SECTION 18. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity The Commission on Human Rights shall and rights. They are endowed with reason and have the following powers and functions: conscience and should act towards one another in a (1) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any spirit of brotherhood. party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; ➔ Article 2 Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set (2) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, in accordance with the Rules of Court; political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no (3) Provide appropriate legal measures for the distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, protection of human rights of all persons within the jurisdictional or international status of the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and country or territory to which a person belongs, provide for preventive measures and legal aid whether it be independent, trust, services to the underprivileged whose human rights non-self-governing or under any other limitation of have been violated or need protection; sovereignty. (4) Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, ➔ Article 3 or detention facilities; Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. (5) Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance respect for Since the Philippines is one of the signatories of the the primacy of human rights; Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our 1987 Philippine Constitution adheres to these freedoms (6) Recommend to the Congress effective measures through the creation of Commission of Human to promote human rights and to provide for Rights and by directing the government to value the compensation to victims of violations of human dignity of all human persons through ensuring full rights, or their families respect for human rights such as: (7) Monitor the Philippine Government’s ➔ 1987 Philippine Constitution compliance with international treaty obligations on ◆ Article XIII: Social Justice and human rights; Human Rights (8) Grant immunity from prosecution to any Section 1. person whose testimony or whose possession of The Congress shall give the highest priority to the documents or other evidence is necessary or enactment of measures that protect and enhance convenient to determine the truth in any investigation the right of all the people to human dignity, conducted by it or under its authority; reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing St John XXIII's encyclical Pacem in Terris (1963) wealth and political power for the common good. was a landmark in the acceptance by the Catholic Christian Church of the Universal Declaration of SECTION 17. Human Rights. For the first time, the Papal (1) There is hereby created an independent magisterium presents a relatively complete and office called the Commission on Human Rights. systematic catalogue of human rights, comparable to (Note: the first CHR in the country was established those in contemporary declarations of human rights during Marcos time two days before the start of People promulgated by national or international entities. Power 1)  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS During the 60th anniversary of the Declaration, the Rights theory in the social tradition recognizes the Vatican reaffirmed its support for the goals of the importance of the social nature of the person and the United Nations. role that context plays in the promotion and guarantee “The Holy See celebrates the 60th Anniversary of rights. of the UDHR, first, by recalling the great - Source of Diagram: Hollenbach, David. Claims sense of unity, solidarity, and in Conflict. Paulist Press, 1974, responsibility that led the United Nations to p. 98 proclaim universal human rights as a response to all persons and peoples weighed down by List of Human Rights Cited from the violation of their dignity, a task that even Church Documents today challenges us. Then, it has promoted events, educational The right to life, food and shelter (RN 4,10) programs, assistance initiatives worldwide, in The right to private property (RN 5) particular for children, women and vulnerable The right to choose one’s state in life (RN 9) groups, so that God, as His Holiness Pope The right to a living wage (RN 34) Benedict XVI said on December 10, 2008, The right to a just wage (LE 19) "may allow us to build a world where every The rights of workers to form unions (RN 38) human being will feel accepted in his/her full The right to life and a worthy standard of dignity, and where relations among persons living (PT 11) and among peoples are based on respect, The right to moral and cultural values (PT dialogue, and solidarity.” 12-13) The right to worship according to one’s “The promotion of human rights remains the most conscience (PT 14) effective strategy for eliminating inequalities The right to freely choose one’s state of life and between countries and social groups, and for establish a family (PT 15-17) increasing security” The right to emigrate and immigrate (PT 25) - Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the United Nations, April 2008 Legends: ➔ RN - Rerum Novarum, 1891 ➔ LE - Laborem Exercens, 1981 ➔ JM - Justicia in Mundo, 1971 ➔ PT - Pacem in Terris, 1963 ➔ DH - Dignitias Humanae, 1968 ➔ CA - Centesimus Annus, 1991 The chart depicts the levels of rights and the relationships between them according to the rights theory found in the encyclical, Pacem in Terris.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS To be the people of God meant to practice justice. UNIT II: THE SOCIAL MISSION OF THE A just system was required for all people, aside from CHURCH AND THE COMMITMENT OF their ethnic origin or social justice THE LAY FAITHFUL B2 Social Justice is central to the Prophets UNIT Lesson 4: The Social Mission of II: The Church The prophets lash out unrelentingly against unjust laws and judges. - ‘Ah, you who make iniquitous decrees, Should the Church play an active role in who write oppressive statutes, to turn social issues? aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, Social Issue: a state of affairs that negatively affects that widows may be your spoil, and the personal or social lives of individuals or the that you may make the orphans your well-being of communities or larger groups within a prey!’ (Isaiah 10:1f). society and about which there is usually public - ‘Ah, you that turn justice to disagreement as to its nature, causes, or solution. wormwood, and bring righteousness to the ground!... Hate evil and love Poverty good, and establish justice in the gate’ Unemployment/Underemployment (Amos 5:7, 15). Corruption Education Healthcare C The Judeo-Christian Tradition Expressions Crime and Drug Abuse of Justice are: Environmental Abuse Human Rights Sedakah Gender Inequality Mishpat Child Labor/Exploitation Hesed Overpopulation/Urbanization Dikaiosune Displacement/Conflict C1 SEDAKAH A. The origin and foundation of the Social Mission of the Church are rooted in the Judeo-Christian Tradition It means right relationship It is manifested by Yahweh in His relationship with Israel and with all things He has A1 SHALOM made, and by Israel, in her response of obedience, reverence and faithfulness to God. Yahweh is a righteous God in the Old Testament so The right relationship that God has established He encourages His people as well to become just and demonstrates the way of justice for human righteous in order to realize peace or shalom beings in dealing with one another. (overall harmony) in His Kingdom. It also corresponds to Yahweh‘s B JUSTICE righteousness. Yahweh shows his righteousness by keeping the covenant and being the very source of Justice is the virtue which inclines us to give to God righteousness. (Ps. 111: 3, 5, 9) and to man what is due to them. Some terms related to Yahweh‘s sedakah are mercy, compassion and salvation. B1 Social Justice is central to the Pentateuch It is identical to deliverance and salvation, describing it as associated with a norm established by God.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS C2 MISHPAT The Beatitudes of Jesus are also considered as expressions and ways to realize the right relationship in the Kingdom of God. It depicts the forensic nature of justice. It is justice based on the context of the failure of the right relationship. OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT This is where Yahweh refuses injustice because the right relationship is being violated. Emphasized the Emphasized the It is also a court of law wherein the accused External Actions we Internal Dispositions is punished and the victim is vindicated. need to follow. we need to have. Yahweh is a judge who punishes the wicked one and rewards the righteous one. Thus, He The Beatitudes of Jesus Christ corrects wrongdoings in order to restore according to Matthew 5: 3-10: right relationship The arbiter, the King-God, secures order in the community by applying the mishpat. It Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of implies deliverance for those who are just God. and innocent, but harshness for the wicked and sinful. Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth. C3 HESED Blessed are those that mourn, they shall be It is often translated as loving kindness. comforted. Other translations are steadfast love, mercy, and compassion. Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for Hesed is the expression of loving kindness righteousness, you shall be satisfied. in the Kingdom of Yahweh. Yahweh‘s hesed is manifested in His everlasting love for Israel. (Ps. 25: 6, Jer. 31: Blessed are the merciful, they shall obtain mercy. 3), remaining faithful in spite of Israel‘s unfaithfulness (Hos. 2), and showing compassion and mercy for her sins (Isa. Blessed are pure in heart, they shall see God. 54: 8). Yahweh is the epitome and example of doing hesed to others Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called children of God. C3 DIKAIOSUNE Jesus‘ proclamation of the Kingdom of God also entails renewal and righteousness by witnessing the Gospel. Jesus’ invitation to strive first for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mt. 6: 33) is basically relational. God reigns where the divine will is done. The Greek word dikaiosune can be rendered Righteousness or justice. - The Lord‘s Prayer in Luke 11: 2-4 are The metaphor of the Kingdom oF God petitions for the coming of God‘s Kingdom and embodies the way God relates with people and for the doing of the divine will. sheds light on the word dikaiosune at the - The right situation is doing justice to manner by which God wants to be, king, or as humankind for it is the one willed by God. to be, the divine will is followed The Gospel shows in an abundance of texts that Jesus In the New Testament, Jesus Christ proclaims that the was not indifferent or extraneous to the problem Kingdom of God is already at hand and the of the dignity and rights of the human person, nor to Beatitudes are the ways to attain its fullness.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS the needs of the weakest, the neediest, and the victims of injustice. Just like the mission of Jesus Christ, the mission of the Church to the society is threefold:. Jesus‘ initial proclamation of the justice of God ― to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the KING One‘s commitment to serve others captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the through active participation to oppressed go free and announce the Lord‘s year of integral human development. mercy/favor (Lk. 4: 18-19) resonates the prophet Isaiah‘s announcement of God giving justice to His PRIEST Our capacity to pray for one people (Is. 60: 21; 61: 1-3). another and our ability to establish a deeper relationship with God through prayer and worship. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. PROPHET Proclaiming peace founded on He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the truth, built according to justice, prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set integrated by charity, and the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the practiced in freedom. Lord’s favor” Luke 4: 18-19 The Church and the Questions of ‘Just Jesus‘ concern was not limited to the forgiveness of Relations’ among People sins: at all times, He stressed real solidarity with the poorest and lowliest (Matthew 11:28-30). He - The Church in the Philippines has been cured the sick, lepers and blind men, and many known as the forerunner of truth and more. He fed thousands of hungry people. He justice among Filipinos regardless of personally took upon Himself the description ethnicity, gender, and religion. of the Suffering Messiah as foretold by Isaiah. - It is not to be identified with any political partisan in order to become a credible herald “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the of peace, justice and truth; and anxieties of the men of this age, especially those proponent of unawa (understanding), who are poor in any way afflicted, these are the awa (mercy) and gawa (deeds) among joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the people particularly the marginalized. followers of Christ” - Gaudium et Spes, 1 RESPECT vs. Discrimination The Church is always mindful of the conditions of the people in society. She has the mission to proclaim - The Church in the Philippines is expected to be the Gospel not only to those who are privileged and the advocate of impartiality that shuns any fortunate in life but also those who are poor, form of discrimination, conflict, and marginalized, deprived, and voiceless in the political animosity. society. - The Church is also called to promote respect Social issues are also of prime concern of the for races, genders, religions, and points Church of views so that national unity and healing are attainable. The Church continues to struggle for the realization of the Kingdom of God through ongoing renewal and consistent propagation of the Gospel through words Discrimination and neglect are obstacles to the and deeds. full development of persons and of society as a whole. The social mission of the Church is rooted in the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ to love Everyone has a role and needs to have the and serve by promoting and protecting the opportunity to improve themselves so that they wellbeing of the human persons. can take their place in society and participate fully in the community they find themselves in.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS This aspiration can only be achieved through the of charity, humility and self-denial, recognition of people’s capacities, potentials, and received the mission of proclaiming and rights as well as in ensuring that the structures in the establishing among all peoples the Kingdom of communities and in society as a whole support this Christ and of God, and she is, on earth, the goal. seed and the beginning of that Kingdom. The Church‘s mission is the same as it was yesterday, today, and tomorrow: to evangelize the whole world. ―It is the duty A Responding to the Demands of our of the Church, therefore, in her preaching to Contemporary Communities proclaim the Cross of Christ as the sign of God‘s universal love and the source of all grace. A1 The Fact of Religious Pluralism Duc in Altum The Church recognizes and defends the (“Put out into the deep” Lk. 5:4) fundamental dignity of man to be free from coercion in matters religious. The Church position on religious pluralism: All ➔ Each Catholic is a missionary. men are called in freedom to Jesus Christ ➔ He/she is immersed and conscious of the and to his Church, which has a divine mission, signs of the times making him/her capable indeed a mandate, to evangelize the whole of bringing people closer to the Kingdom of world, so that at the name of Jesus every knee God. should bend, in heaven and on earth, and ➔ Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, we are also every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, fishers of men by witnessing our faith. to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10–11). To all peoples, the Church preaches Christ As Agent of Hope and Transformation crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and a folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and Christ commanded his disciples: “Go therefore and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:23– 24). make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the All men and women are called by God to faith name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy and baptism in Jesus Christ. Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). - It is through baptism that members of the Christian community are called to the A2 Truthful Tolerance holiness of life in the world befitting the disciples of Jesus. The Declaration on Religious Freedom of Vatican II, Dignitatis Humanae, cast a new Discipleship is the fundamental vocation in which light. the Church's mission and ministry find full meaning. The human person has a right to religious ➔ As disciples of Jesus, we are called into freedom. This freedom means that: communion with both God and others and ○ All men are to be immune from are sent in a mission to proclaim the Good coercion on the part of individuals or News of the Kingdom. social groups and of any human power ○ No one is to be forced to act in a The Synod of Bishops spoke about the manner contrary to his own beliefs relation between the Gospel and justice: ○ Not to be restrained from acting ―Action on behalf of justice and participation in accordance with his own in the transformation of the world fully appear to us beliefs, whether privately or publicly, as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the whether alone or in association with Gospel. others, within due limits. ➔ The Church fulfills her mission of preaching the Gospel when it teaches the demands of justice. A3 Fidelity to Proclaim the Kingdom of God The Church, endowed with the gifts of her founder and faithfully observing his precepts  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Important thinkers in the Middle Ages especially Thomas Aquinas continue to talk about justice and charity for the poor. The challenge to aid the needy in the community has become more pressing with the emergence of modern ideologies that were brought about mainly by the Industrial Revolution. Capitalism and Socialism were two ideologies that were both supposedly aimed at improving the conditions of every person’s life. However, because of their neglect to talk about God in their endeavors, they have instead also contributed UNIT Lesson 5: Nature of the Social to the increasing problems of poverty and injustice II: Teaching of the Church in the community. Hence, the modern social encyclicals were How do we understand the Social Teachings Catholic contributions to the talk about human of the Church? flourishing pointing out especially the important points from these two ideologies. What is the essence of Catholic Social Teachings considering the Church’s Social The Catholic Church has issued important Mission? documents in order to officially announce its stand on pertinent social issues that confront our Nature of the Social Teaching of the communities at particular moments in history. Church These are Catholic contributions to the talk about human flourishing based on important principles The Social Teaching of the Church is at the core of such as the dignity of the human person, Christianity. It needs to be pointed out that Jesus is subsidiarity, solidarity, and the preferential an active agent in the renewal of Society. option for the poor. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God means Moreover, each of these documents, while sensitive to that certain practices in the community would the historical conditions of particular times, is even have to be renewed in order to show to the grounded in the Tradition of the Church that finds people that indeed God’s reign is at hand, even if at its beginning in the person and ministry of Jesus the same time, it cannot be fully fulfilled in the Christ. present. 1. The Truth of Faith The First Christians were true followers of Christ in the sense that they endeavored to persevere in the ministry that Christ started. This is especially shown in their commitment to equality, respect, and love for each other. Moreover, decisions in their communities are done “in remembrance” of the memory of Christ. The Middle Ages Church, despite the infamous abuses of some members of the hierarchy and the clergy, remains faithful to Christ’s call to bring about the reign of love in our communities.  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS the people and of the whole society – as its primary a. The Human Person as the Image of God goal. In the diversity of cultures, the natural law unites Church’s understanding of human dignity - is the peoples, enjoining common principles. Since conviction that the human person occupies a something of the glory of God shines on the face of central role in the creation of God, and that the every person, the dignity of every person before God human person is the only creature that is created in the is the basis of the dignity of man before other men. image and likeness of God and is the only creature that has the capacity for God. Human dignity is a core concept in the c. Toward a Just and Humane Society social teaching of the Church. The Church according to God’s Plan believes that human dignity is both inviolable and inalienable, that is, it can God destined the earth and all it contains for all never be compromised regardless of the men and peoples so that all created things would be circumstances and consequences of the shared fairly by all mankind under the guidance of action. justice (CSDC, 165). The apex of the affirmation of human dignity is the coming of Christ. Christ embraces humanity The principle of the Universal Destination of through the mystery of Incarnation, which affirms Goods is an invitation to develop an economic that humanity is central to God’s plan. vision inspired by moral values that permit people not to lose sight of the origin or purpose of these The centrality of the dignity of the human person is goods, so as to bring about fairness and solidarity. even highlighted more with the Paschal Mystery of Christ. He showed us that the cross is not a Everyone has the right to enjoy the conditions of meaningless symbol, but is rather a testimony of social life that are brought about by the quest for God’s love. the common good. b. Celebrating our Shared Humanity, Our Pope Pius XI: ‘the distribution of created goods, Human Interconnectedness which, as every discerning person knows, is laboring today under the gravest evils due to the huge disparity between the few exceedingly rich and Yahweh’s covenant with Abraham and the people the unnumbered property less, must be effectively of Israel is Yahweh’s own initiative and gift which called back to and brought into conformity is even beyond what humanity deserves. with the norms of the common good, that is, social justice. This then prompts the Church to call for a The covenant is an expression of Yahweh’s more just distribution of the world’s wealth (CSDC willingness to reach out to His people. In fact, by 171). the covenant, Yahweh makes himself bound to fulfill his promises to His people. Man, then, must never forget that his capacity to transform and in a certain sense create the world In turn, the covenant becomes the people’s assurance through his own work… is always based on God’s that Yahweh will never abandon them. prior and original gift of the things that are. Moreover, “there comes from the Decalogue a commitment that concerns not only fidelity to the 2. The Paradigm of Love and Justice versus one true God, but also the social relations among the Way of Violence the people of the Covenant… The gift of freedom and the Promised Land, and the gift of Covenant Love is the most identifying value of the Church's on Sinai and the Ten Commandments are therefore social teaching. It is what makes us uniquely intimately linked to the practices which must Christians. It is, in fact, unachievable without regulate, in justice and solidarity, the grace, but grace is freely supplied to the willing, which development of Israelite society. is grace itself. A society that wishes and intends to remain at the service of the human being at every level is a society that has the common good – the good of all  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS and political charity, which is identical with a. The Way of Love and Justice solidarity, i.e., a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood. In the Church’s perspective, love as a value is “the Social and political charity is not exhausted in highest and universal criterion of the whole of relationships between individuals, but extends to social ethics.” (CSDC, 171) the network formed by communal relationships, which is precisely the social and “From the inner wellspring of love the values of truth, political community; it intervenes in this context freedom, and justice are born and grow. Love is seeking the greatest good for the community in what makes us able to see the other as a friend, as its entirety. (CSDC, 208) another self, so that the needs and requirements of others seem as one's own.” (CSDC, 205) b. Versus the Way of Violence Love presupposes and transcends justice. This means that love builds upon justice just like grace builds upon nature. The Church does not approve of the use of violence and the use of arms because it is aware that violence For what happens when love meets justice, look at the only leads to more violence, which often results cross of Christ, the cross of Christ which is our only in new forms of oppression. law. Without justice, there is no love. Without justice, love does not survive. Justice is the Violence is never a proper response. The Church prerequisite of love. Justice is fulfilled by love. proclaims that violence is evil, that violence is unacceptable as a solution to problems, that violence Kant insisted that, in justice, the law of is unworthy of man. punishment was a categorical imperative that admitted no exception. For if justice goes, there is Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth, the truth no longer any value in human beings living on of our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims the earth. Kant is entirely correct. A world without to defend: the dignity, life, and freedom of human justice is, to be sure, too horrible to behold. beings. However, a world with justice but without love is c. Understanding ‘critical collaboration’ with equally as bad or worse. Human relationships cannot the State be governed solely by the measure of justice. The prophet Malachi tells us that God requires more than doing justice. He requires us to love mercy and to The Church recognizes its autonomy from the State. walk humbly with Him (Malachi 3:3). However, many understand this to mean that the Church should not be involved in political issues, or Summum ius, summa iniuria was a Roman with politicians and public policies. This is not the maxim mentioned by Cicero. It is a brilliant, meaning of the separation of Church and State. ambiguous saying which can be translated, “extreme justice is the greatest injustice,” or "extreme justice is a. From Separation an extreme wrong. Here is a truly radical challenge: to take love, which, What really is the meaning of this separation? There as St. Thomas mentions in his Summa Theologiae, is are three main ideas: the form of the virtues, and to socialize it or institutionalize it into social and political ➔ the state has no official religion, charity. This task is the modern challenge of our time. ➔ the state should not discriminate any religion; Social charity makes us love the common and good. It makes us effectively see the good of all people, considered not only as individuals or private ➔ the Church should not control or dominate persons but also in the social dimension that unites any religious group, the police, or armed unit of them. (CSDC, 207) the State. We need a new world order that is grounded not only The principle of the separation of Church and on secular values but on Christian love, on social State is a reaction to some medieval arrangement of  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS church-sponsored religions or a State The Church has the right and the duty “to teach her persecution of some undesirable religions. social doctrine, to exercise her role freely among men, and also to pass moral judgment in those In order to respect the autonomy of the Church, matters which regard public order when the the State shall not establish one religion as the religion fundamental rights of the human person or the of the State. salvation of souls require it.” (Gaudium et Spes, 76) It shall not favor one religion over the other. Both the Church and those who govern society are seeking to serve mankind (although under It shall foster the freedom of all religious beliefs different titles), and they “will carry out this service and should not interfere with their practices unless with greater efficacy, for the good of all, the these actions become detrimental to public order. healthier and better is the cooperation between them.” (CSDC, 425) In order to respect the autonomy of the State, the Church prohibits its ministers and priests to run for public office or, if they do, they should resign from their ministry as priests. This is also done in order to guard the Church’s role as an agent of unity as exemplified in a community of different political persuasions. Separation of Church and State does not mean, however, that the Church and its ministers cannot take a stand on social, economic, and political issues affecting the welfare of the people. And, if taking sides on these issues necessitates choosing one candidate over another, the Church can encourage its members to pursue their own options to address the situation according to its moral values. In the end, it is the individual Christian who decides based on his or her own conscience, not its leaders or ministers. b. To Cooperation Using a bicycle, one can surely reach his or her destination if the two wheels are consistent in moving in the same direction. The same is true with the relationship between the Church and State, i.e., 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, nor does it mean that the Church should restrict her activity to the private and spiritual sphere. Certainly, the Church “cannot and must not replace the State. Yet at the same time she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.” (Benedict CVI, Deus Caritas est)  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS Filipino Catholics do not fully UNIT Lesson 6: The Response of the II: Catholic Church: Renewed Integral understand the meaning of the Evangelization sacraments, sacramentals, and other devotionals, much less do they put into practice what they really mean. How does the Church see evangelization in Their faith tends to be separated from the present realities? life, not lived in the public sphere, ritualistic and devotional, sometimes fatalistic. (cf. Quevedo, 2012) A Philippines: Catholic D Philippines: Nominal Catholics The Catholic Church in the Philippines is celebrated the fifth centenary of the advent of Filipino Catholics being the majority in Christianity in the archipelago. quantity and yet “nominal” in predominantly Catholic country in quality. (Second Plenary Council of the Asia, third in the world with the largest Philippines, 1992, §14) number of Catholics summing up to 86 Million Filipinos in 2010, composed of D Philippines: Folk Catholicism 81.4% of its population (Pew Research Center, 2013). Folk Catholicism (CFC, 1997, §17) “centered on the practice of rites of popular B Philippines: Corrupt & Poor piety not on the Word of God, doctrines, sacramental worship... not on community... not on building up our one of the most corrupt nations in Asia world unto the image of the Kingdom.” (Transparency International, 2019) (PCP II, 1992, §13) 16.7 percent of poverty incidence among the population, translating to How does the Church promote about 17.7 million Filipinos living in evangelization in the present realities? poverty in 2018. (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020) The main task of the Church in the Philippines is to encourage its flocks to become active members of C Philippines: “Sacramentalized” but not Christian communities and to lead people to Evangelized authentic renewal through the meaningful proclamation of the Good News in order to address some existing contradictions in the Philippines roughly 41% of Filipino Catholics attend such as massive poverty, unemployment, graft religious services, which has decreased by and corruption, and drug addiction. 24 points since 1991. (Social Weather Stations, 2018) The Vision-Mission of the 2nd Plenary Christian faith enters only their life Council of the Philippines “mostly through religious ceremonies attached to family celebrations such We, as church in the Philippines, with as baptism, marriages, funerals, and total trust in God‘s love, envision ourselves house blessings.” (Catechism for as a community of disciples, who firmly Filipino Catholics, 1997, §116) believe in the Lord Jesus and joyfully live in Christian faith tends to be taken for harmony and solidarity with one another, granted, tainted with “superstitions” with creation, and with God. and often contented with mere external Following the way of our Lord, we opt to be a “traditional pious practices drawn Church of the Poor, which demands from social, religious, and cultural evangelical poverty of us all. environment.” (CFC, 1997, § 116)  CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY THY3 PRELIMS To achieve this vision, under the leading of the the Word of God and partake of spirit of God and with Mary as our guide, whatever each of them can offer we shall embark on a renewed integral The members have a strong sense of evangelization and witness to Jesus belongingness and responsibility for one Christ‘s Gospel of salvation and liberation another through our words, deeds and lives. They share the Word of God and are guided As bishops, priests, religious and laity, by regular catechesis. They gather around we together commit ourselves to implement the Eucharist and have a vibrant celebration the spirit and decrees of the Second Plenary of life in the liturgy Council of the Philippines in order to They share not only their spiritual concerns inculturate gospel values in our milieu by but also their material concerns this shall kaayusan (order in harmony) be Their poverty and their faith led them to achieved through persons who are maka- involvement in action for justice and social Diyos, maka-tao, makabayan and maka- transformation. Buhay. ➔ The vision of the Church as a community of disciples can be concretely experienced in A Community of Disciples the BECs ➔ Without the BECs, the communitarian whose faith in Jesus is expressed in a Church nature of the Church and of discipleship in mission that includes Asia and the whole remains an abstraction creation. ➔ In the BECs, ordinary Christians are A real community of disciples is patterned awakened to their call to live their after the Holy Trinity where the three divine discipleship fully and actively and in the Persons—unique, equal, and united—are in context of the community constant sharing and in mission. ➔ The community of disciples is an evangelized It also approximates the early apostolic and evangelizing community. Christian communities. ➔ It witnesses to the coming of God's Kingdom. It is prophetic community that proclaims the message of the Kingdom, i.e., the message B The Church of the Poor of salvation and liberation ➔ As Community of Disciples, the BECs celebrate Our priority must be programs for the the presence of Christ in the Sacraments conscientization, evangelization, and ➔ Like Christ, BECs are concerned about the organization of the marginalized poor. plight of the poor and the needy, those ○ First, into small communities of who are sick, who are hungry, and who are in faith and discernment prison. ➔ They actively participate in the building of ○ Second, into sectoral groups to the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice, attend to specific needs in cultural, peace, and love. The community of disciples is political, economic and religious truly a servant Community institutions This is the empowerment of the laity especially the poor for active participation The 9 Pastoral Priorities of the and leadership in the Church‘s life and Catholic Church in the Philippines mission. B Basic Ecclesial Communities or BECs as Community of Disciples BECs are small communities whose members are in unity and solidarity with one another and with their pastors Patterned