Pastoral Constitution On The Church In The Modern World, Gaudium Et Spes

In the preface of this Constitution (one of several types of documents produced during Vatican II), the Council fathers speak clearly of the Church’s solidarity with the whole of humanity. It states this as one goal: to carry forward the work of Christ under the lead of the befriending Spirit. And Christ entered this world to give witness to the truth, to rescue and not to sit in judgment, to serve and not to be served.

As members of the Church of Christ, we too then, must walk in solidarity with humanity – witnessing, rescuing rather than judging, and serving. Though not specifically labeled as such, Gaudium et Spes lays out the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

A key concept found throughout Part II of Gaudium et Spes is that of neighbor. The world is made up of communities of mankind, in which we are all members of the one family and brotherhood of man. To that end, each of us holds a responsibility for the other – our neighbor; considering the other as we do ourselves.

Because of our brotherhood, God calls each person to serve every other who crosses his or her path and needs assistance. These individuals may include the elderly, a refugee, a child born out of wedlock, or a person who is hungry.

The writers consider evil any behavior that opposes life – including abortion, euthanasia, prostitution, human trafficking and deplorable work conditions. Calls for and efforts to end life- opposing behaviors must be ours.

Many people feel that current political discussions have become uncivilized. Even in 1965, the Council called for a loving and respectful dialogue of issues on which the Church disagrees with others. They suggest that love and respect build understanding and a foundation for discussing tough issues and differences with the other.

Love and respect for one another do not ask that we not speak the truth. Rather, they promote and provide the courage for doing so. Knowing and speaking the truth, however, should always focus on the error in thinking or behaving, and leave the judgment of a person to God.

This constitution calls for defending the human dignity of all. Protecting the life and liberty of each does not contradict the fact that each person has different gifts from the Holy Spirit. There are rightful differences between individual persons. Some are more intelligent, others more physically strong, still others more spiritual. In contrast, recognition of the human dignity of all actual permits us to honor, accept and share the gifts and talents we possess as well as hold dear the gifts of others. In lieu of putting down those whom we don’t know or understand, we celebrate the diversity as part of the whole of humanity.

The Constitution, in 1965, recognized a more full participation in the culture of life due to changes in education and technology. Education, technology and scientific advancement should be used to promote life and the common good. Its authors hoped that cultural activities were used to understand and build faith rather than for faith-distracting purposes.

In their wisdom and experience the Council expected that the world economy would grow and change. They asked that all individuals and families be able to participate in the riches of the world – both manmade and those provided by God in nature.  The Council noted the blessings of the Earth and required good stewardship as a response to this gift.

Gaudium et Spes is as timely in 2013 as it was in 1965. The authors address modern culture and the danger for inappropriate use as well as the potential for its ability to enhance our faith. They speak to uncivilized discourse and a recipe for its cure. They recognize a difference in individual gifts and call for a sharing and serving according to one’s gifts and others’ needs. The writers admit that individuals make error in judgment, not understanding the truth, and ask that we correct the error while not judging the person. Anticipating advancements in technology and education as well as a changing environment, they determined that all should share in these blessings and use them for life-giving purposes. This Constitution offers a lifetime serving of food for thought – perhaps it’s time we start eating!