376 DUTIES OF CITIZENS TOWARD THE STATE

YOUCAT Lesson 376

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

376  What duties do citizens have toward the State?

Every citizen has the duty to cooperate loyally with the civil authorities and to contribute to the common good in truth, justice, freedom, and solidarity.  [2238-2246]

“By birth I am an Albanian, by citizenship and Indian; I am a Catholic sister.  By my mission I belong to the whole world, but my heart belongs to Jesus alone.”  Bl. Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) 

 A Christian, too, should love his homeland, defend it in various ways in times of need, and gladly offer to serve civil institutions.  He should exercise the right to vote and even run for office and not shirk the duty to pay just taxes.  Nevertheless, within the State the individual citizen remains a free man with fundamental rights; he has the right to offer constructive criticism of the State and its organs.  The State is there for the people, not the individual for the State.

 [2238-2246]

The duties of citizens

2238 Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts: (Compare Romans 13:1-2.)⁴³ "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution. . . . Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:13,16. )⁴⁴ Their loyal collaboration includes the right, and at times the duty, to voice their just criticisms of that which seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2239 It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one's country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community. –CCC

2240 Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country:  –CCC

Pay to all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. (Romans 13:7.)⁴⁵ –CCC

[Christians] reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. . . . They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws. . . . So noble is the position to which God has assigned them that they are not allowed to desert it. (Ad Diognetum 5,5 and 10; 6,10:Patrologia Graeca 2,1173 and 1176.)⁴⁶ –CCC

The Apostle exhorts us to offer prayers and thanksgiving for kings and all who exercise authority, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way." (1 Timothy 2:2.)⁴⁷ –CCC

2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.  –CCC

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.  –CCC

2242 The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Refusing obedience to civil authorities, when their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience, finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21.)⁴⁸ "We must obey God rather than men": (Acts of the Apostles 5:29.)⁴⁹ –CCC

  

When citizens are under the oppression of a public authority which oversteps its competence, they should still not refuse to give or to do what is objectively demanded of them by the common good; but it is legitimate for them to defend their own rights and those of their fellow citizens against the abuse of this authority within the limits of the natural law and the Law of the Gospel. ( Gaudium et Spes 74 § 5.)⁵⁰ –CCC

2243 Armed resistance to oppression by political authority is not legitimate, unless all the following conditions are met: 1) there is certain, grave, and prolonged violation of fundamental rights; 2) all other means of redress have been exhausted; 3) such resistance will not provoke worse disorders; 4) there is well-founded hope of success; and 5) it is impossible reasonably to foresee any better solution.  –CCC

The political community and the Church

2244 Every institution is inspired, at least implicitly, by a vision of man and his destiny, from which it derives the point of reference for its judgment, its hierarchy of values, its line of conduct. Most societies have formed their institutions in the recognition of a certain preeminence of man over things. Only the divinely revealed religion has clearly recognized man's origin and destiny in God, the Creator and Redeemer. The Church invites political authorities to measure their judgments and decisions against this inspired truth about God and man:  –CCC

Societies not recognizing this vision or rejecting it in the name of their independence from God are brought to seek their criteria and goal in themselves or to borrow them from some ideology. Since they do not admit that one can defend an objective criterion of good and evil, they arrogate to themselves an explicit or implicit totalitarian power over man and his destiny, as history shows. (Compare Centesimus Annus 45; 46.)⁵¹–CCC

2245 The Church, because of her commission and competence, is not to be confused in any way with the political community. She is both the sign and the safeguard of the transcendent character of the human person. "The Church respects and encourages the political freedom and responsibility of the citizen." (Gaudium et Spes 76 § 3.)⁵² –CCC

2246 It is a part of the Church's mission "to pass moral judgments even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it. The means, the only means, she may use are those which are in accord with the Gospel and the welfare of all men according to the diversity of times and circumstances." (Gaudium et Spes 76 § 5.)⁵³ –CCC

Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6, 2017

“His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.  And   behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.”—Matthew 17:2b-3

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6, 2017
Lectionary: 614

Reading 1 DN 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched:

Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne.  His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; his throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire.  A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat;  Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.  The court was convened and the books were opened.

As the visions during the night continued, I saw:

One like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven;  When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,  The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

R. (1a and 9a) The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.

R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods. 

R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

Reading 2 2 PT 1:16-19

Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, "This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased."  We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.  Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.  You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

Alleluia MT 17:5C

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.  And   behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.  Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 
"Lord, it is good that we are here.  If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."  When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid."  And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone 
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

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

374 EVERY PERSON BELONGS DIRECTLY TO GOD

YOUCAT Lesson 374

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

374  Why is God more important than the family?

Without relationship a person cannot live.  Man’s most important relationship is the one he has with God.  This has priority over all human relationships, even family relationships.  [2232-2233]

Ken and Beth Bragg (right) and an unidentified child at left at play in Buck Lake south of Rhinelander. ….. 374

Children do not belong to the parents, nor do parents belong to their children.  Every person belongs directly to God.  Only to God is man bound absolutely and always.  This how we understand what Jesus said to those who are called: “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).  Therefore parents should place their children confidently into God’s hands if the Lord calls them to the consecrated life in a religious order or to be a priest.  145

(Jesus said in reply) “whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” -- Matthew 12: 50

[2232-2233]

IV. THE FAMILY AND THE KINGDOM

2232 Family ties are important but not absolute. Just as the child grows to maturity and human and spiritual autonomy, so his unique vocation which comes from God asserts itself more clearly and forcefully. Parents should respect this call and encourage their children to follow it. They must be convinced that the first vocation of the Christian is to follow Jesus: "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37; compare Mt 16:25.)³⁹ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2233 Becoming a disciple of Jesus means accepting the invitation to belong to God's family, to live in conformity with His way of life: "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Matthew 12:49.)⁴⁰ --CCC

373 THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY IS A MINIATURE CHURCH

YOUCAT Lesson 373

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

373  How should a family live its faith together?

A Christian family should be a miniature church.  All Christian family members are invited to strengthen one another in faith and to outdo one another in their zeal for God.  They should pray for and with each other and collaborate in works of charity.  [2226-2227]

Kristie and John Racanelli having their daughter Sarah baptized into the family of God.  Sarah is my twice great niece. ….. 373

Parents stand in for their children with their own faith, have them baptized, and serve as their models of faith.  That means that the parents should make it possible for their children to experience how valuable and beneficial it is to live in the familiar presence of the loving God.  At some time, however, the parents, too, will learn from their children’s faith and hear how God speaks through them, because the faith of young people is often accompanied by greater devotion and generosity and “because the Lord often reveals to a younger person what is better” (St. Benedict of Nursia, “Rule”, chapter 3, 3)

“The younger ones should therefore honor the older ones, and the older ones should love the younger ones.”  St. Benedict of Nursia (ca. 480-547)

“Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.  Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.”  Romans 12:10

 [2226-2227]

III. THE DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

The duties of parents

2226 Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. (Compare Lumen Gentium 11.)³⁵ The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2227 Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents. (Compare Gaudium et Spes 48 § 4.)³⁶ Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it. (Compare Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:4.)³⁷ --CCC

372 IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUBSTITUTE FOR A PARENT

YOUCAT Lesson 372

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

372  How do parents respect their children?

God entrusted children to parents so that they might be steady, righteous examples for those children, that they might love and respect them and do everything possible so that their children can develop physically and spiritually.  [2221-2231]

“Roots and wings.”  William and Rose Bragg viewing Lake Huron and the Mackinac suspension bridge from the south end of the bridge.  This family trip around Lake Michigan included scenic areas, a ferry boat ride to Mackinac Island, visits with aunts Eunice and Rose Bayer, and a store full of sea shells. ….. 372

“Children ought to receive two things from their parents: roots and wings.”  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

Children are a gift from God and not the property of the parents.  Before they are their parents’ children, they are God’s children.  The primary duty of parents is to present to their children the Good News and to communicate the Christian faith to them.  374

“And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them.  But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’”  Mark 10:13-14

“The fascination of children lies in this: that with each of them all things are remade, and the universe is put again upon its trial.”  G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936)

[2221-2231]

The duties of parents

2221 The fecundity of conjugal love cannot be reduced solely to the procreation of children, but must extend to their moral education and their spiritual formation. "The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute." (Gravissimum Educationis 3 3)²⁹ The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable.  (Compare Familiaris Consortio 36.)³⁰ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2222 Parents must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons. Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their children to fulfill God's law. –CCC

2223 Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues. This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery - the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the "material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones." (Centesimus Annis 36 § 2.)³¹ Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them: –CCC

He who loves his son will not spare the rod. . . . He who disciplines his son will profit by him. (Sirach 30:1-2.)³²–CCC

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4.)³³–CCC

2224 The home is the natural environment for initiating a human being into solidarity and communal responsibilities. Parents should teach children to avoid the compromising and degrading influences which threaten human societies. –CCC

2225 Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the "first heralds" for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church. (Lumen Gentium 11 § 2.)³⁴ A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one's life. –CCC

2226 Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. (Compare Lumen Gentium 11.)³⁵ The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents. –CCC

2227 Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents. (Compare. Gaudium et Spes 48 § 4)³⁶ Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it. (Compare Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:4.)³⁷–CCC

2228 Parents' respect and affection are expressed by the care and attention they devote to bringing up their young children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs. As the children grow up, the same respect and devotion lead parents to educate them in the right use of their reason and freedom. –CCC

2229 As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators. (Compare Gravissimum Educationis 6.)³⁸ Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise. –CCC

2230 When they become adults, children have the right and duty to choose their profession and state of life. They should assume their new responsibilities within a trusting relationship with their parents, willingly asking and receiving their advice and counsel. Parents should be careful not to exert pressure on their children either in the choice of a profession or in that of a spouse. This necessary restraint does not prevent them - quite the contrary from giving their children judicious advice, particularly when they are planning to start a family. –CCC

2231 Some forgo marriage in order to care for their parents or brothers and sisters, to give themselves more completely to a profession, or to serve other honorable ends. They can contribute greatly to the good of the human family. –CCC