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Reflection
 170:   Based on the Vatican II document 
Gaudium et Spes (Church in the world) 
Article 69

 

 

This article contains some powerful sentences...including the traditional (not new!) teaching that a desperately poor person may steal from the rich!

"God intended the earth with everything contained in it for the use of all human beings and peoples"

"The right to have a share of earthly goods sufficient for oneself and one's family belongs to everyone"

"We are obliged to come to the relief of the poor
and to do so not merely out of our superfluous goods"

"If you are in extreme necessity,
you have the right to procure for yourself what you need out of the riches of others"

"Since there are so many people prostrate with hunger in the world,
this sacred council urges all, both individuals and governments,
to remember the words:
'Feed the people dying of hunger, because if you have not fed them  you have killed them' 

Jesus, please help us remember your solemn words
"I was hungry and you....."

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