Day 313: Ownership of Goods

The seventh commandment forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him in any way with respect to his goods. It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruits of men's labor. For the sake of the common good, it requires respect for the universal destination of goods and respect for the right to private property. Christian life strives to order this world's goods to God and to fraternal charity. CCC 2401

In today's reading, the Catechism introduces the Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal (Ex 20:15). This necessitates a brief discussion of the ownership of goods, that which it is prohibited to steal. I like how the right to private property is respected (CCC 2403), as well as a note that we are stewards answerable to God in how we use that property, especially in caring for our families (CCC 2404).

The Catechism Compendium outlines this section on the Commandment:

The seventh commandment requires respect for the universal destination and distribution of goods and the private ownership of them, as well as respect for persons, their property, and the integrity of creation. The Church also finds in this Commandment the basis for her social doctrine, which involves the correct way of acting in economic, social, and political life, the right and the duty of human labor, justice and solidarity among nations, and love for the poor. (#503)

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

When it comes to economics, the Church does not really side with particular policies, but the Church proclaims principles. As Christians, we should not use our possessions in an excessive manner, and we should share them with those in need. This aligns with the Old Testament tradition of setting aside a portion of one's fields for the needy. When we have possessions, we should work with them so they do not lie fallow, and we should share the proceeds. We get to use these things for the sake of the people around us. (p. 142)