Not Either Or, But Both And Thinking

Inclusion and not the exclusion of finances, begins an article in the Peace Weekly on the visit of Dr. Eutimio Tiliacos, Secretary General of the Centesimus Annus-Pro Pontifice Institution. He is active giving talks to business people, and those working in finances to overcome poverty and presenting the Church's teaching on the subject.

While in Korea he attended talks with those working in finance, explaining the Church's understanding of the issues in its teachings. He was in a discussion with the bishop's Justice and Peace Committee, and explains the subject as not exclusion of finances but embracing it for the common good.

He asked those on the committee if they met and talked to those in industry and  finance. No answer came from the group, Secretary General  stopped for a moment in his talk. Both within and outside the Church we have to see the situation as it is. Catholic teaching is obviously on the side of the poor. An important principle and  teaching and must be upheld he says, however, one wonders at times if this is not understood as exclusion of those who are wealthy without reason.  

The reason we select the poor is not  that their situation is something good but because their dignity has been degraded, and they have lost their enthusiasm for life.  We want to return their dignity, meaning and hope for life. Help them get out of poverty and to live a life of dignity.

Consequently, we can't stop talking to the wealthy and employers and urging them to have concern for the poor and workers. We must meet them and talk to them.  Both the poor and workers are God's people but so are the rich and employers. They like the poor, and workers are objects of God's salvation.

Is it not the impression that being on the side of the poor and the workers the Church is against the wealthy and  employers? But is it not the wealthy and employers who help the Church continue its work?

In Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation on  Joy of Love he mentions that what the world needs most in pastoral care for families is dialogue, discernment and  integration.  Is this concern only needed in families?

The columnist finishes his article with the need to meet with the wealthy and employers to discuss the problems of poverty and workers. He admits that he had a one sided understanding of our 'preferential option for the poor' and forgot that God's salvation is for all.