505. What is the purpose of private property?
(Comp 505) The purpose of private property is to guarantee the freedom and dignity
of individual persons by helping them to meet the basic needs of those in their
charge and also of others who are in need.
“In brief”
(CCC 2451) The seventh commandment enjoins the practice of
justice and charity in the administration of earthly goods and the fruits of
men's labor.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2404) "In his use of things man should regard the
external goods he legitimately owns not merely as exclusive to himself but
common to others also, in the sense that they can benefit others as well as
himself" (GS 69 § 1). The ownership of any property makes its holder a
steward of Providence, with the task of making it fruitful and communicating
its benefits to others, first of all his family. (CCC 2406) Political authority has the right and
duty to regulate the legitimate exercise of the right to ownership for the sake
of the common good (Cf. GS 71 § 4; SRS 42; CA 40; 48). (CCC 1903) Authority is
exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group
concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it. If rulers were to
enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order, such
arrangements would not be binding in conscience. In such a case,
"authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse"
(John XXIII PT 51).
Reflection
(CCC 2405) Goods of production - material or immaterial -
such as land, factories, practical or artistic skills, oblige their possessors
to employ them in ways that will benefit the greatest number. Those who hold
goods for use and consumption should use them with moderation, reserving the
better part for guests, for the sick and the poor.
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