Opting Out of Social Concerns

Gaudium et Spes tells us that Christians may not opt out of social concerns. I have tried to live up to that standard for several years, albeit with varying degrees of success. As this is the first time I have read Gaudium et Spes, I was not aware that the Church laid the command out in this way – certainly it is not an aspect of Church teaching that I have heard in homilies on a regular basis. As such, my initial reaction was quite positive. I have long believed that all people, and especially Christians, have a duty or responsibility to one another. I am glad that my Church also teaches this.

But by no means do I harbor illusions of grandeur! This teaching is incredibly challenging, especially as a citizen and resident of the richest nation in the world. At the risk of sounding apocalyptic, social sins seem to be rampant in this country if one is able to look around and take stock of the over-arching values of our culture. Materialism, individualism, and wastefulness are not only hallmarks of our society, but they are also the standards to which many hold themselves as they compare themselves to “American royalty” (ie. Hollywood). Even if one is aware of these traps, it is impossible to avoid them; our society is set up in such a way that prevents us from opting out of the system regardless of the injustices. For this reason, I can see how it would be easy to simply give up and ignore the Church’s call to social concern. However, I agree with the Church, which tells us that the promise of imperfection is not an excuse for inaction.

We discussed the matter of “pricked consciences” in class, and this is something with which I have been struggling lately. I have personally been boycotting Wal-Mart and limiting my patronage at other chain stores for many years. Although there is a second side to the issue, namely, that Wal-Mart is essential to the livelihoods of many West Virginians, my conscience tells me that a boycott is essential because of the multitude of injustices practiced by this company. However, the parish for which I work gets supplies and food from Wal-Mart regularly. My conscience is pricked every time my co-workers ask if I need anything from Wal-Mart for my ministry. Usually I simply smile and tell them no, thank you. I have had little success at “converting” people in the past, and so my super-ego takes over and I generally choose to maintain a friendly/stress-free/superficial work environment rather than taking the time to explain my beliefs. This is one small change I can make in my life in order to actively engage conversation about social justice.

What changes can you make in your own life to show your solidarity with the materially poor of the world?