Friday, February 13, 2009

Philem, vv. 8-9 I rather urge you out of love

(Philem, vv. 8-9) I rather urge you out of love
[8] Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ to order you to do what is proper, [9] I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
(CCC 1738) Freedom is exercised in relationships between human beings. Every human person, created in the image of God, has the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being. All owe to each other this duty of respect. The right to the exercise of freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of the human person. This right must be recognized and protected by civil authority within the limits of the common good and public order (Cf. DH 2 § 7). (CCC 1710) "Christ… makes man fully manifest to man himself and brings to light his exalted vocation" (GS 22 § 1). (CCC 1711) Endowed with a spiritual soul, with intellect and with free will, the human person is from his very conception ordered to God and destined for eternal beatitude. He pursues his perfection in "seeking and loving what is true and good" (GS 15 § 2). (CCC 1712) In man, true freedom is an "outstanding manifestation of the divine image" (GS 17). (CCC 1713) Man is obliged to follow the moral law, which urges him "to do what is good and avoid what is evil" (cf. GS 16). This law makes itself heard in his conscience.

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