7. This KING
was very
well-loved because of his
and highly
intelligence…
revered by
the people
His fairness towards his
people…
and his stunningly good looks…
10. But before we continue the
story, let me remind you all
that this is a fictitious story…
Any similarity to actual
persons or situations is
purely COINCIDENTAL…
11. King Lorenz was married
to the most beautiful
queen that ever lived on
earth…
47. but there were only two
he really liked and he
had to choose between
them.
48. One picture was of a
calm scenery. Towering
mountains were all
around it. Overhead
was a blue sky with
fluffy white clouds. All
who saw this picture
thought that it was a
perfect picture of
peace.
49. The other picture
had a mountain too.
But these were
rugged and bare.
Down the side of
the mountain were
dying trees. This did
not look peaceful at
all.
50. But when the King
looked, he saw a
tiny bush growing
in a crack in the
rock… In the bush
a mother bird had
built her nest.
51. There, in the midst
of the rugged ugly
mountain, sat the
mother bird and
the father bird on
the nest ...
perfect
peace.
73. inspired and integrated by Love,
“founded on Truth,
pacem in terris
built according to Justice,
and practiced in Freedom”
74. Peace is “the fruit of that RIGHT
ORDERING OF THINGS with which the
DIVINE FOUNDER has invested human
society and which must be actualised by
man thirsting after an ever more perfect
reign of justice” GAUDIUM ET SPES, 78
75. “WRONG
ORDERING
OF THINGS”
Whenever
the dignity of
the human
person is
violated
Whenever
there is no
solidarity or
respect for
creation
Whenever
there is no
fair
distribution of
the world’s
resources
76. PACEM IN TERRIS
A.Order Between People – human rights and duties.
B.Relationship Between Individuals and the State – nature of authority and the
promotion of common good.
C.Relations Between States – a relationship based on truth, justice and freedom.
D.Relations of People and States with the World Community – political
communities of the world have become interdependent
E.Faith and Action – Christians should integrate religious beliefs and action.
104. Then, starting with the
story of creation & God’s
love for humankind, the
STRANGER explained the
message of hope found in
the Christian faith…
105. It’s all a matter of
remembering that each
one of us is created by God
and given an infinite
dignity
Every person
matters a lot to God
and we’re all equal
in His eyes.
112. The truth is, we are made to
be in community. This
means much more than
tolerating each other
It means solidarity, which
is a way of being with
others such that their
needs are also our concern
115. Well, I can tell
you what it’s not
The common good is not
simply what suits the
majority, the more powerful
or the more assertive.
116. It means seeking what’s
good for everyone in the
community by making
the effort to understand
the concerns of others…
Wow! That
sounds
really nice!
117. …it also means genuinely
seeking a solution together.
God made us responsible for
one another,
118. but the trouble is, we’re too
caught up I what we need for
ourselves. So we bulldoze our
way through and marginalize
others
Maybe that’s why
people don’t trust
each other anymore.
119. That’s not all
God also meant for the
resources in creation to be
enjoyed by everyone, so
that we all have what we
need.
120. This is called the
universal destination of
goods.
But, why do we see some
people having an overabundance of good things,
while others don’t even have
enough?
121. Because they neglect
principle of the universal
destination of goods.
Furthermore, we need to respect
the dignity of creation itself
because this physical environment
is where God made us to live in
and journey towards salvation
122. Oh yes, I read that in the
book of Genesis in the
Old Testament!
Creation is meant for our
stewardship, not for our
exploitation. Just look at the
division and disasters that
come when we are selfish and
exploitative!
123. After having
heard all these,
JOEL reflected
and said:
Yes, I guess we have
forgotten to see the
big picture. How
much better life will
be when we do!
124. But I think it’s not too
late.
Where can I
start?
125. The STRANGER
smiled and said:
Well, you’re headed
in the right direction
now. You’re beginning
to see that you
personally have a role
in building a better
society
126. You now appreciate
the idea of
participation in
Catholic Social
Teachings
Oh I’m glad
you said
that!
128. Remember I said that human
beings are social in nature, so
they have a right to get together
and form associations to strive for
the common good.
Yes, I remember
you saying that
awhile ago!
129. Higher level bodies and those
in authority should help them
to flourish and not deprive
them of doing what they can
do for themselves
131. Your work is holy because it is
carried out by a human being
– one who is infinitely special
to God.
This is the
dignity of work
132. When JOEL heard
this, he
remembered
uncomfortably the
way he had
spoken to a
waitress the other
day when the
restaurant didn’t
have what he
wanted
133. He resolved to
see the dignity in
every person
and to try to
make a
difference
134. As if hearing his
thoughts, the
STRANGER
said:
Now you have
understood the principle
of the promotion of
peace as well!
136. PEACE is about dealing
courageously with a situation
in order to restore it to one
where there are right
relationships -
- with others, self,
God, and all
creation
137. JOEL felt his hope
restored and
started to believe
in the goodness of
others again
139. JOEL thought this
fellow reminded
him of the One
who stretched out
His arms on a
cross wide enough
to embrace all
humanity
140. He smiled to
himself and
walked on
resolutely
Somehow, JOEL
knew that he
would find HIM…
141. Peace on Earth notes that “all States
are by nature equal in dignity,” that is,
they have the right to existence, to
self-development and to be primarily
responsible for this development. (#
89-92)
142. •States are also subject to rights and duties. This
means that relationships between States must be
harmonized in truth, justice, active solidarity and
freedom.
143. • The Church believes that “the true
and solid peace of nations can
consist, not in equality of arms, but
in mutual trust alone.”
(# 113)
145. •The document also brings to
awareness that the path to peace is
beset with many and grave obstacles.
146. • The pursuit of universal common good
and the recognition of the equal status of
every nation can only “be adequately
tackled or solved… by the efforts of
public authorities… which are in position
to act in an effective manner on a worldwide basis.” (# 130-140)
147. Pacem in Terris encourages
that the United Nations be
promoted.
