Matthew 20, 29-34 + CSDC and CV     

(CV 31b) The excessive segmentation of knowledge [80], the rejection of metaphysics by the human sciences [81], the difficulties encountered by dialogue between science and theology are damaging not only to the development of knowledge, but also to the development of peoples, because these things make it harder to see the integral good of man in its various dimensions. The “broadening [of] our concept of reason and its application”[82] is indispensable if we are to succeed in adequately weighing all the elements involved in the question of development and in the solution of socio-economic problems. 

Notes: [80] Cf. John Paul II, Encyclical Letter  Fides et Ratio (14 September 1998), 85: AAS 91 (1999), 72-73. [81] Cf. ibid., 83: loc. cit., 70-71. [82] Benedict XVI, Address at the University of Regensburg, 12 September 2006. 

Gaudium et Spes a feeling of deep solidarity with the human race

CSDC 96b.  Gaudium et Spes presents the face of a Church that “cherishes a feeling of deep solidarity with the human race and its history”[174], that travels the same journey as all mankind and shares the same earthly lot with the world, but which at the same time “is to be a leaven and, as it were, the soul of human society in its renewal by Christ and transformation into the family of God”[175].

Notes: [174] Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 1: AAS 58 (1966), 1026. [175] Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 40: AAS 58 (1966), 1058.

(Mt 20, 29-34) Accomplishing powerful deeds to free men and women

[29] As they left Jericho, a great crowd followed him. [30] Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "[Lord,] Son of David, have pity on us!" [31] The crowd warned them to be silent, but they called out all the more, "Lord, Son of David, have pity on us!" [32] Jesus stopped and called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" [33] They answered him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." [34] Moved with pity, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight, and followed him.

CSDC 261. During his earthly ministry Jesus works tirelessly, accomplishing powerful deeds to free men and women from sickness, suffering and death. The Sabbath — which the Old Testament had put forth as a day of liberation and which, when observed only formally, lost its authentic significance — is reaffirmed by Jesus in its original meaning: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mk 2:27). By healing people on this day of rest (cf. Mt 12:9-14; Mk 3:1-6; Lk 6:6-11, 13:10-17, 14:1-6), he wishes to show that the Sabbath is his, because he is truly the Son of God, and that it is the day on which men should dedicate themselves to God and to others. Freeing people from evil, practising brotherhood and sharing: these give to work its noblest meaning, that which allows humanity to set out on the path to the eternal Sabbath, when rest will become the festive celebration to which men and women inwardly aspire. It is precisely in orienting humanity towards this experience of God's Sabbath and of his fellowship of life that work is the inauguration on earth of the new creation.

[Initials and Abbreviations.- CSDC: Pontifical Council for Justice And Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church; -  SDC: Social Doctrine of the Church; - CV: Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in truth)]