375 THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY IS THAT OF SERVICE

YOUCAT Lesson 375

YOUCAT the catechism of Catholic youth

375  How is authority exercised correctly?

Authority is exercised properly when it is understood according to Jesus’ example as service.  It must never be arbitrary.  [2234-2237, 2254]

Washing of Feet and the Last Supper from the Maesta by Duccio 1308-1311. Peter often displays amazement in feet washing depictions as in John 13:8. ….. 375

Jesus showed us once and for all how authority should be exercised.  He, the greatest authority, served others and took the last place.  Jesus even washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-20).  The authority of parents, teachers, educators, and superiors is given to them by God, not so that they can lord it over those who are entrusted to their care, but rather so that they might understand and exercise their duty of guiding and training as service.  325

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”  Colossians 3:21

“Whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:27-28

[2234-2237, 2254]

V. THE AUTHORITIES IN CIVIL SOCIETY

2234 God's fourth commandment also enjoins us to honor all who for our good have received authority in society from God. It clarifies the duties of those who exercise authority as well as those who benefit from it. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

Duties of civil authorities

2235 Those who exercise authority should do so as a service. "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26.)⁴¹ The exercise of authority is measured morally in terms of its divine origin, its reasonable nature and its specific object. No one can command or establish what is contrary to the dignity of persons and the natural law. –CCC

2236 The exercise of authority is meant to give outward expression to a just hierarchy of values in order to facilitate the exercise of freedom and responsibility by all. Those in authority should practice distributive justice wisely, taking account of the needs and contribution of each, with a view to harmony and peace. They should take care that the regulations and measures they adopt are not a source of temptation by setting personal interest against that of the community. (Compare Centesimus Annus 25.)⁴² –CCC

2237 Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person. They will dispense justice humanely by respecting the rights of everyone, especially of families and the disadvantaged. –CCC

The political rights attached to citizenship can and should be granted according to the requirements of the common good. They cannot be suspended by public authorities without legitimate and proportionate reasons. Political rights are meant to be exercised for the common good of the nation and the human community. –CCC

IN BRIEF

2254 Public authority is obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person and the conditions for the exercise of his freedom. --CCC