Day 317: International Justice and Solidarity

An increased sense of God and increased self-awareness are fundamental to any full development of human society. This development multiplies material goods and puts them at the service of the person and his freedom. It reduces dire poverty and economic exploitation. It makes for growth in respect for cultural identities and openness to the transcendent. CCC 2441

In today's reading, the Catechism explores international justice and solidarity, both noble goals that align with the Gospel's overall message. The problem, as I see it, right now, is that I don't trust "our betters" to do either. Frankly, I feel lied to by many of the "donor" elites as well as the "receiver" elites, with deception and corruption being the rule for both rather than the exception. Yet instead of turning this into something political, I'll just stick with the principles being taught here. So yes, human dignity is to be respected even in international dealings, and we should, as much as possible work to alleviate difficulties in those nations in need. It is good that CCC 2442 states that it is "not the role of the Pastors of the Church to intervene directly" in political matters, something that in the past led to great problems in the Church and the State.

The Catechism Compendium summarizes how justice and solidarity among nations are brought about:

On the international level, all nations and institutions must carry out their work in solidarity and subsidiarity for the purpose of eliminating or at least reducing poverty, the inequality of resources and economic potential, economic and social injustices, the exploitation of persons, the accumulation of debts by poor countries, and the perverse mechanisms that impede the development of the less advanced countries. (#518)