411. How does society ensure social justice? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp 411 repetition) Society ensures
social justice when it respects the dignity and the rights of the person as the
proper end of society itself. Furthermore, society pursues social justice,
which is linked to the common good and to the exercise of authority, when it
provides the conditions that allow associations and individuals to obtain what
is their due.
“In brief”
(CCC 1944) Respect for the human person considers the other
"another self." It presupposes respect for the fundamental rights
that flow from the dignity intrinsic of the person.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1931) Respect for the human person proceeds by way of
respect for the principle that "everyone should look upon his neighbor
(without any exception) as 'another self,' above all bearing in mind his life
and the means necessary for living it with dignity" (GS 27 § 1). No
legislation could by itself do away with the fears, prejudices, and attitudes
of pride and selfishness which obstruct the establishment of truly fraternal
societies. Such behavior will cease only through the charity that finds in
every man a "neighbor," a brother. (CCC 1932) The duty of making
oneself a neighbor to others and actively serving them becomes even more urgent
when it involves the disadvantaged, in whatever area this may be. "As you
did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt
25:40).
Reflection
(CCC 1933) This same duty extends to those who think or act
differently from us. The teaching of Christ goes so far as to require the
forgiveness of offenses. He extends the commandment of love, which is that of
the New Law, to all enemies (Cf. Mt 5:43-44). Liberation in the spirit of the
Gospel is incompatible with hatred of one's enemy as a person, but not with
hatred of the evil that he does as an enemy. (CCC 2303) Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity. Hatred of
the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. Hatred of the
neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him grave harm. "But
I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that
you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Mt 5:44-45). [END]
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