Who am I supposed to listen to?

Week 5: Rights and Responsibilities

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I sometimes wonder why I was born in this time and place.

I have a comfortable life and so many opportunities. But what about those who are born into war and poverty, without enough food, or clean water? What about those without opportunities for education or improvement?

Why am I so blessed? Does God love me more?

No. I’m no different than other people—I didn’t earn my life, I was born into it. God tells us over and over that we are all made in His image, and that He loves all creation equally.

St. Paul reminds us that “the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all” (Rom 10:12).

Our Declaration of Independence establishes the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The purpose of our government is to secure these rights for everyone equally.

St. John XXIII says that all humans have “the right to live,” “the right to bodily integrity,” and the right “to the means necessary for the proper development of life” (Pacem in Terris).

Catholic tradition teaches that every person has a fundamental right to life, a right to the things necessary to uphold one’s human decency, and a right to participate in the decisions that affect one’s own life.

But those rights come with responsibilities.

We have a responsibility to recognize and protect the rights of everyone—especially those who live without adequate food, clean water, education, or health care, as well as those afflicted by the evil of racism.

As St. John XXIII says: “To claim one’s rights and ignore one’s duties [...] is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other” (Pacem in Terris).

So what can we do?

We must do more than give to our favorite charity. We have a responsibility to be informed on the social issues that vulnerable people face. We must recognize and call out violations of human rights. We must advocate for our government to promote policies that protect the rights of all people.

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more” (Lk 12:48).

Loving God, help us do everything we can to build a society where all people are able to exercise their human rights and fulfill their responsibilities. Amen.

When have I seen or heard about the rights of others being violated?
How might God be inviting me to protect the rights of others?

Let’s spend this week thinking about it.

Modern Catholic explores the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and how they can guide our lives today. Join us next week to learn about the fourth principle—Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.

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