365 / 665
Chapter 24. Life in Christ—Part Two • 337
morals, the authoritative voice of Christ is exercised by the pope and
bishops who, as the successors of Peter and the Apostles, form the
Magisterium. They are guided by the Holy Spirit, who abides with
the Church to lead us into all truth.
• “The Magisterium of the Pastors of the Church in moral matters is
ordinarily exercised in catechesis and preaching, with the help of the
works of theologians and spiritual authors” (CCC, no. 2033).
• “Society ensures social justice by providing the conditions that allow
associations and individuals to obtain their due” (CCC, no. 1943).
Social justice deals with the essential needs of people who are called
to live together in community with respect for each other’s dignity.
These needs include food, clothing, shelter, and an income that sup-
ports the family.
• “The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of ‘friendship’
or ‘social charity,’ is a direct demand of human and Christian broth-
erhood” (CCC, no. 1939). This involves a love for all peoples that
transcends national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differ-
ences. It respects the needs of others and the common good in an
interdependent world.
MEDITATION
The Story of America has been the story of long and difficult
struggles to overcome the prejudices which excluded certain cat-
egories of people from a full share in the country’s life: first, the
struggle against religious intolerance, then the struggle against
racial discrimination and in favor of civil rights for everyone.
Sadly, today a new class of people is being excluded. When the
unborn child—“the stranger in the womb”—is declared beyond
the protection of society, not only are America’s deepest tradi-
tions radically undermined and endangered, but a moral blight
is brought upon society. I am also thinking of threats to the
elderly, the severely handicapped and all those who do not seem
to have any social usefulness. When innocent human beings
are declared inconvenient or burdensome, and thus unworthy