Respect for the human person entails respect for the rights that flow from [their] dignity as a creature. These rights are prior to society and must be recognized by it. They are the basis of the moral legitimacy of every authority: by flouting them, or refusing to recognize them in its positive legislation, a society undermines its own moral legitimacy. If it does not respect them, authority can rely only on force or violence to obtain obedience from its subjects. It is the Church’s role to remind [people] of good will of these rights and to distinguish them from unwarranted or false claims.
Vaticana, Libreria Editrice. Catechism of the Catholic Church . United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Kindle Edition. Paragraph 1930
If I have a billion dollars,
is it my right
to demand of society
an easier path
to acquire my next billion?
Is having two billion dollars,
instead of one,
a right
that flows from my dignity
as a creature?
Should society prioritize my right
over the right of my neighbor
seeking shelter and safety and opportunity
to provide shelter and safety and opportunity
for their children?
What would the church have to say
to such a society?
Grace and peace to you
dw
becoming flame 