The fifth chapter of Caritas in Veritate begins with a meditation that speaks of the human interdependence that is basic to a proper understanding of human nature. Pope Benedict writes: “One of the deepest forms of poverty a person can experience is isolation. If we look closely at other kinds of poverty, including material forms, we see that they are born from isolation, from not being loved or from difficulties in being able to love. Poverty is often produced by a rejection of God’s love, by man’s basic and tragic tendency to close in on himself, thinking himself to be self-sufficient or merely an insignificant and ephemeral fact, a ‘stranger’ in a random universe. Man is alienated when he is alone, when he is detached from reality, when he stops thinking and believing in a foundation…All of humanity is alienated when too much trust is placed in merely human projects, ideologies and false utopias…Today humanity appears much more interactive than in the past: this shared sense of being close to one another must be transformed into true communion. The development of peoples depends, above all, on a  recognition that the human race is a single family working together in true communion, not simply a group of subjects who happen to live side by side.” (53) How beautifully the Holy Father reminds us of Genesis and the divine insight that it is not good that man should be alone. The Scripture reminds us further that we are our brother’s keeper. With great empathy the Pontiff recognizes the pain of loneliness is devastating to an individual. It is induced at times by egotism and its claim of independence. To many in our community self-satisfaction is not only the highest priority, it is the only priority. We can see this in the destruction of many marriages. Infidelity, addictive behaviors, and spousal abuse, all have roots in narcissism. Our young people who display anti-social behaviors will often tell counselors, law enforcement personnel, and their own parents that they are not subject to standards set by others in home, school, or community. Unfortunately, the psychologists and other mental health professionals will tell us that such perspectives do not only make it difficult for a person to function but fail to give any happiness to them. One of my teachers once said to my classmates and me that when people seek to define or teach about community it has ceased to exist. I and others grew up in New York City in apartment buildings. One might think that it was an impersonal experience but it was not. Everyone knew each other and looked out for each other. When a familial crisis arose, neighbors came to the rescue. Someone was unemployed, a job would be offered; someone was sick, their children would be cared for; someone died, a collection for the funeral would be taken up. No talk of social networking, it was simply done. Today, when many of us have our own homes, we do not even know our neighbors. The Pope reminds us that proximity to others does not necessarily mean that we are unified. True communion will cause development which is positive, not simply advancement in science and technology. Only human cooperation holds the promise of peace and justice.

As part of growth, Benedict XVI urges the reader to recognize the importance of “metaphysical interpretation of the ‘humanism’ in which relationality is an essential element.” (55) He goes on to explain: “The Christian religion and other religions can offer their contribution to development only if God has a place in the public realm, specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, and particularly its political dimensions. The Church’s social doctrine came into being in order to claim ‘citizenship status’ for the Christian religion…Denying the right to profess one’s religion in public and the right to bring the truths of faith to bear upon public life has negative consequences for true development. The exclusion of religion from the public square—and, at the other extreme, religious fundamentalism—hinders an encounter between persons and their collaboration for the progress of humanity. Public life is sapped of its motivation and politics takes on a domineering and aggressive character. Human rights risk being ignored either because they are robbed of their transcendental foundation or because personal freedom is not acknowledged. Secularism and fundamentalism exclude the possibility of fruitful dialogue and effective cooperation between religion and religious faith. Reason always stands in need of being purified by faith: this also holds true for political reason, which must not consider itself omnipotent. For its part, religional ways needs to be purified by reason in order to show its authentically human face. Any breach in this dialogue comes only at an enormous price to human development.” (56) How timely are these words of Benedict XVI! What a contrast they are with the thirty-second sound bites in this summer of demagoguery. Increasingly,our country has witnessed the exposition of personal anamis at the expense of discussion of significant issues. The accusations of the left as well as the innuendos of the right add nothing to the understanding and promotion of human rights.

We conclude our study of this encyclical by listening to the call of Benedict to participate in the discourse which can offer hope for the future: “Fruitful dialogue between faith and reason cannot but render the work of charity more effective within society, and it constitutes the most appropriate framework for promoting fraternal collaboration between believers and non-believers in their shared commitment to working for justice and the peace of the human family…For believers, the world derives neither from blind chance nor from strict necessity, but from God’s plan. This is what gives rise to the believers to unite their efforts with those of all men and women of good will, with the followers of other religions and with non-believers, so that this world of ours may effectively correspond to the divine plan: being as a family under the Creator’s watchful eye.” (57)

For the last few weeks we have shared the highlights of this remarkable document. I believe that it might be most beneficial to read the whole document. This week Ignatius Press will be publishing it in a very attractive format.

As we return to work and school let us pray to the Holy Spirit that all that we do might give Glory to God and service to our brothers and sisters.

                  Vivat Jesus

       Fr. Brian