Deacon Greg's Homily 9-29-19
Here are a few very basic points from 130 years of Catholic Social Teaching: God intended the earth and everything in it for the sake of all human beings. Thus, in justice, created goods should flow fairly to all. All other rights are subordinated to this principle. All have a right to private ownership, but this right is subordinate to the common good. Therefore, wealth and possessions must be understood as ours to steward rather than something to possess absolutely. No person (or nation) may have a surplus if others do not have the basic necessities. Thus, no one may appropriate surplus goods solely for his own private use when others lack the bare necessities for life. People are obliged to come to the relief of the poor. With regards to society, The motivating concern for the poor - who are, in the very meaningful term, "the Lord's poor" - must be translated at all levels into concrete actions, until it decisively attains a series of necessary reforms. Hopefull...
