Is Material Success the Meaning of LIfe?

Love of neighbor as yourself is the foundation of the social doctrine of Christianity. Social teaching is a set of beliefs common to Christians as well as other religious traditions.

Catholicism has summarized the teaching in some basic statements: Common Good, Dignity of the human person, Preferential Option for the Poor, Subsidiarity, Solidarity, Stewardship of Creation, and Promotion of Peace these are some of the values that come from the Bible, Tradition, and Reason.

Pope Benedict XVI gave us some help in understanding the meaning of some of the terms. Human dignity is the intrinsic value of a person created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by Christ.  Solidarity refers to the virtue enabling the human family to share fully the treasure of material and spiritual goods. Subsidiarity is the coordination of society's activities in a way that supports the internal life of the local communities. The common good is "the totality of social conditions allowing persons to achieve their communal and individual fulfillment." 

In the Catholic Times in its Light of the World column, the priest writer helps us understand the issue more in-depth.

 Since World War II, South America has had serious social problems such as politics and economy, and the second Latin American Bishops' Conference in Medellín, Colombia, in 1968, presents "choice for the poor," referring to the institutions and structural injustice of a society that cause poverty. The teachings were developed through subsequent Latin American bishops' meetings (the 3rd Puebla, Mexico in 1979, the 4th Dominica in 1992, the 5th Aparecida in Brazil), the 3rd World Bishop's Synod on World Justice in 1974, Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Through Work, and Pope Francis's exhortation on Joy of the Gospel.

 

Here, the objects of charity and helping those who are in more difficult straits than themselves, both spiritually and materially, embody preferential choices for the poor.

What is remarkable is the reflection that although the causes of poverty and oppression that impede the development of society are at the political, economic, and social levels, the more fundamental cause is the selfishness and greed within human beings that promote them. Therefore, repentance and evangelization for this are urgently needed, so while focusing on globalization and neoliberalism that was just beginning at the time, the Aparecida Literature examines this from two perspectives.

First, it is a materialistic situation in which human dignity is damaged and the socially weak are produced because of concern only for economic interests at the social level. Second, it is spiritual secularism that pursues only selfishness and material values ​​on the personal level and is indifferent to the pain of poor neighbors.

In 1977, Park Wan-suh's novel "A Faltering Afternoon" depicts the fall of a middle-class family through love and marriage customs in a world in which material prosperity had become a symbol of success against the backdrop of the rapid economic development of Korean society after 1960. At its core are unrecognized capitalism, vanity tinged with material desires, and broken ethical values.

Could this be the case today? Society is getting richer day by day, making it more difficult to discern and act correctly. Many neighbors are struggling, and everyone's cooperation is desperately needed, but there are still too many conflicts and hatred abounds. There are many reasons, but as the affluent society increases so does our greed, and our love decreases as the comfortable civilization continues to develop. True conversion toward neighbors and society is required.

"Those people and societies that go so far as to absolutize the role of material goods end up experiencing the bitterest type of slavery. In fact, there is no category of possession that can be considered indifferent about the influence that it may have both on individuals and on institutions. Owners who heedlessly idolize their goods become owned and enslaved by them. Only by recognizing that these goods are dependent on God the Creator and then directing their use to the common good, is it possible to give material goods their proper function as useful tools for the growth of individuals and peoples" (Compendium of the Social Gospel #181).

'Eureka Moments' In Our Spiritual Life

In a recent Bible Life magazine article, a Benedictine monk helps the readers understand some of the ways God comes to us. 

Christians can experience God in many different ways. It may be in a dream, in prayer, a voice, a vision, or some moment of enlightenment. However, not all that comes after can be said to come from the Holy Spirit. It may be the result of a nerve condition or mental problem. Consequently the need to discern these occurrences.

The writer recalls 20 years previously his ordination and his pastoral assignment with vocation work. Overnight he became a dispenser of learning after years of being a receptor. For several months, he was burdened with his assignment then one day in May he awoke before the rising bell at 5:00 am, wide awake, and prepared himself for chapel, morning prayers, and Mass.

On the path passing the green grass in the monastery garden, the fresh clean air permeated his whole being. At that moment he felt suddenly overcome with energy that suffused him completely. He couldn't help but remain present to what was happening to him as if in another location. It was something he had never experienced before. How long it lasted he doesn't know.

Suddenly all came back to normal and all his surroundings appeared, but different from before. And from deep inside came the words: "I am going to the church to pray, every day I can do this how blessed I am." The following line from the psalms came to mind: One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord and may visit his temple (27:4).

Was this not a beautiful experience? This spiritual moment gave him a new understanding of his calling and the meaning of prayer. However, although this was a precious moment in his life never to be forgotten, now it is gone and over. God will come to him in his spiritual journey in other ways.

There are many others with similar encounters. In receiving the Eucharist, in prayer, on pilgrimage, on retreat. Are these moments of being one with God? 

These moments of feeling oneness with God are gifts on our spiritual journey. They are moments of awakening and change in our spiritual journey only when they are considered nothing. When they are seen only as the finger pointing out the sun. When they become all important and the center of one's interest you fall into spiritual pride.

As St. Paul says: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good(1 Cor. 12:7). The writer wants us to remember these words.

The results of the experience should energize one to be more zealous in their discipleship, and in expressing the fruit of their love and not dwell on the experience but forget it. When we become attached to that encounter we will miss him coming into our lives today. God is imminent in our lives and is inviting us in many different ways to come to him.

When we try to empty our hearts, in prayer and moderation, in love for others, sharing and keeping God as the center of our focus, God will enlighten us. 

At times God will come into our lives like a quiet gentle breeze. He is always with us and appears to us in the lives of others and in nature. Even when we are in difficulties and in the dark, we should be waiting for his movements in our lives.

Signis: Telling the Truth

Both Catholic Weeklies reported again on their front pages on the conclusion of the Signis World Congress and this is the summary of the four days of discussion and dreams for the future in the Catholic Peace Weekly.

 "We believe that peace can be achieved in the digital world through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit."

The 2022 Seoul Signis World Congress, where Catholic journalists from all over the world gathered in one place, ended in a grand way on the 18th at Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, with a new insight into the role of the media and singing a song of hope for peace. 

At the closing ceremony, the participants of the General Assembly issued a statement summarizing the contents of the General Assembly discussion, emphasizing that "the press should lead readers, viewers, and listeners to the light." It also reminded us of our mission to strive to deliver truthful and meaningful information. They said in a statement that "a new society can be built only when we create the awareness that we can work peacefully with people of different cultures, beliefs, religions and ideologies.

"About 300 people from 32 countries took part online and offline at this general meeting, which was held for the first time in five years, delayed by one year due to COVID-19. From the 15th to the 18th, participants discussed issues facing modern society, such as the contradiction of disconnection and isolation in a hyper-connected world, the harmful effects of fake news, the inequality caused by the digital divide, and the climate crisis through topic discussions and forums. Focusing more on discovering the light rather than the shadow brought about by technological development and the potential for good rather than the destructive influence of media, they shared various ideas for achieving peace in the digital world. 

Most of the events and programs were broadcast live through the CPBC YouTube channel. Those who could not come to the site in person participated in the general meeting through YouTube, Zoom, and Metaverse.

In particular, at the General Assembly, the Vatican Public Relations Minister Paolo Rufini, who was appointed as the first lay minister of the Vatican, and journalist Dmitry Muratov (Russia), who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, as key speakers, drew attention from many people. In addition, about ten presenters participated in each topic, and stories from the field were more rich and vivid than ever. 

In addition, as journalists of the same faith, the participants held Mass together every day and shared in communion. The participants, who experienced unity while getting to know each other, returned to their respective positions with the hopeful conviction that the media would contribute to the common good of mankind.

In his farewell address, Cardinal Su-jeong Yeom, co-chairman of the SIGNIS World Assembly, said, "It is truly meaningful for all Koreans, as well as the Catholic Church, the visit to Korea, the only divided country in the world, by all of you who are spreading the peace of the kingdom of God."  He added: "It is an era in which the role of Signis members is very important. Through this, we hope for an era of true peace where all people in the world can enjoy the peace of the Kingdom of God."

Han Seung-soo (Daniel), chairman of the Organizing Committee of the SIGNIS World Congress, did not forget to express his gratitude to all those involved who spared no effort and enthusiasm for the success of the convention. Helen Osman, President of Signis World, said: "I hope we will never forget this time when we affirmed that our mission was to listen with an open mind, to understand each other, and to tell the truth."

SIGNIS is a compound word of SIGN, which means media and message, and IGNIS, which means to light a fire. It is a Vatican-accredited organization that holds the World Congress every four years. Signis is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and the secretariat is in Rome, Italy. There are more than 100 member countries of Signis around the world, and in Korea, about 500 members are active mainly in broadcasting companies, newspapers, and publishers.

Leaders Need to Express "Mea Culpa"

In the Peace column of the Catholic Peace Weekly the press director singles out Pope Francis as an example of what is necessary for a leader.
 
Pope Francis' leadership is setting an example for people around the world, not just Catholics. What is the key? It can be summarized as 'authenticity in which words and actions are consistent. To realize the evangelical values ​​of love, justice, and peace, we go to the fringes even when we are afraid, yield even if we suffer losses, and challenge ourselves even when there is no possibility of success. Emphasize a church for the poor. Political acts contrary to the common good are condemned. He strongly calls for policies to reduce income inequality against unregulated capitalism in order to establish economic justice. As an apostle of peace, he opposes war and actively mediates peace in conflict and conflict areas.
 
There is opposition to change and renewal, followed by resistance. The Pope embraces this as the leadership of humility, dialogue, and persuasion. It is not a one-sided 'charismatic leadership' that provokes antipathy such as 'follow me. The Pope recently made a "pilgrimage of penance" to Canada. The Pope repented for the painful mistakes the Catholic Church had committed against indigenous peoples in the past and asked for forgiveness. In doing so, he took action advising the Church of Canada to actively respond to the demands of the Canadian Government's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
 
There are no 'blaming others' in the Pope's leadership. He does not turn away from the mistakes of Catholicism in the past, boldly admitting that it is "my fault (Mea culpa)" and "our fault" and asks for forgiveness. The apology is straightforward and frank. Do not express yourself vaguely but in a way, that the other person can feel the sincerity. In addition, the new code of conduct is concretely presented to realize healing and reconciliation.
 
President Yoon Seok-yeol, who passed 100 days after his inauguration, is now facing a leadership crisis. In various opinion polls, President Yoon's approval rating has continued to decline, reaching the high 20% level. Unless there is a major change in the president's words and actions and his mindset and attitude toward state management, the influence of President Yoon in state affairs is expected to weaken further. President Yoon, who had been a prosecutor for most of his life, seems to emphasize the rule of law and strongly advocates fairness and justice. But now, people are strongly asking what is fairness and common sense.
 
President Yoon's way of responding to criticism from the public and the media focus on shifting responsibility. When asked about responsibility for the appointment of some ministers, the president said, "Have you seen any great people in the previous administration?" Although it is honest and coming from the heart, the public receives it as coming from the president's egoism and self-righteousness. The president's actions and tone should be refined and inclusive. We must consider the hearts of the majority of people suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardship. Reflection and scrutiny on what may be ineffective and inappropriate remarks should be a priority.
 
In order to overcome difficulties and turn a crisis into an opportunity, the president, who is in charge of state affairs, must first confess: "It's my fault." President Yoon lowered his attitude toward the people as the first step back from summer vacation. He also apologized on behalf of the government to the people affected by the torrential rain. At a press conference on the 100th day of his inauguration, he said that he would be attentive to the aspirations of the citizens. The president's administration of state affairs is different from that of the prosecution. It should be a fair and just policy for all without discrimination and bias, by humbly hiring talented people regardless of whose side they are on, and humbly supporting the demands of the people.
 
Catholics beat their breasts at every Mass and say, "It's my fault. It's my fault. It's my most grievous fault." The moment the president, his advisers, state commissioners, and members of the opposition and government parties beat their breasts in front of the people saying: 'It's my fault, the neglected public will once again turn their attention to the government.

Korea's Dolphin Like Leadership

 

A Catholic University professor in the Diagnosis of  the Times column begins by mentioning the whale that appears in the very popular TV drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo which just recently ended. The heroine is a genius lawyer with autism and knows all there is to know about whales. Whenever a new idea or inspiration comes to the mind of the lawyer, the viewers see a whale leisurely flying through the sky.

 

There are times when the characteristics of the country's external actions are compared to animals, and Korea has been compared to a shrimp on the back of   fighting whales that gets squashed.

 

It permeates our perception since we have suffered from the great powers around us. Another aspect of our self-awareness as a shrimp is suspicion and resistance to foreign powers. At times, feelings of antipathy towards neighboring countries, and even hatred, were violently expressed, often with the self-awareness that we are merely a passive object rather than a subject in international politics.

 

It is difficult to call Korea a shrimp now. Korea is listed among the 10 largest economies and defense powers in the world, and people around the world are immersed in Korean culture. In recent years, BTS, Parasite, Squid Game, and Lim Yun-chan  have continued to entertain the world, and there is a high expectation that they will continue to do so in the future. Heung-Min Son and, although less well known, Se-Hyeok Jo, who won the Wimbledon Under-14 tournament this year. In this way, the story naturally comes out that our nation's power has grown enough that we don't have to feel like a shrimp on a whales back.

 

In particular, in the world of the young people in the MZ generation, Korea has never been a shrimp. They do not have the sense of inferiority or feel victimized  by the so-called advanced countries that their parents and grandparents' generation felt. Confidence is fundamental. Korea is already a developed country by default, so there is no reason to be particularly thrilled.

 

Although dolphins are often attacked by vicious large whales and sharks, they are quite large among marine animals and swim quickly, so they are not often eaten by marine predators. We love dolphins. That can be our new image.

 

It has a cute appearance, has high intelligence, and does not harm people. In addition, it is said that they communicate with each other, stand by their injured colleagues, help each other and rely on each other. The drama writer of 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' seems to have paid special attention to these social characteristics of dolphins. 

 

Korea, like a dolphin, should be externally peace-oriented, attractive, smart, and agile. We will pursue solidarity with other countries. In particular, the younger generation expects to be a guide to the world without fuss by swimming leisurely into the sea of ​​the future, rather than feeling dazed by the sense of loss. Alleviating competition and confrontation between great powers, actively responding to climate change and energy issues for a sustainable future, playing a part in the rapidly developing field of science and technology, and contributing to human civilization through the establishment of new norms in the international community. It is a contributing country. 

 

Internal infrastructure is also important for Korea's external actions. If each individual is involved in violent competition with himself and others indefinitely, everyone will be exhausted. There is no future. Serious social problems such as population decline, gender conflict are also caused in that young people don't have hope in the future. The future is only in a warm and relaxed community where we, with our diverse personalities, are respected, help each other, and live together. Isn't cultivating such a community a dream that dolphin Korea should  have at this time of transition in the world order?

A New Vision of North Korea

The Catholic Times in its Reconciliation Column on the  present situation between the North and South Korea  gives the readers some thoughts on the subject. The writer is research fellow at the Catholic Institute for Northeast Asia Peace and gives us what the future could bring in our relationship with North Korea.

The writer  received a book as a gift from the author two months ago. The title is "A New Perspective on North Korea". The author,  is a lawyer and professor of North Korean studies.  He explains, based on his long- research, that the existing inter-Korean legal system needs to be changed to fit the present reality. 

 

As soon as the writer  received the book, he started to read and finished it in two days. The author's suggestions for those interested on the North South Korea situation would find it interesting. The columnist  introduces two proposals. 

 

First, we are proposing to recognize North Korea as a state. Currently, North Korea is an illegal or anti-state organization under the constitution, but has a dual status as a partner in dialogue and cooperation for peaceful unification. This dual status causes a lot of confusion, and the controversy over the repatriation of North Korean fishermen to North Korea is a clear example. However, he explains that recognition as a country can clarify legal instability or inconsistent policies toward North Korean defectors.

 

[The South Korean constitution defines national territory as the whole Korean Peninsula and according to the Korean Supreme Court all the North Korean citizens are South Korean citizens. Consequently the forced repatriation of North Korean citizens who have come South is an illegal act]

  

Of course, whether or not to recognize North Korea as a state can be controversial as it is also a matter of our constitution, but considering the legal stability and consistency of policy, it is a topic that needs to be  given serious thought.

Second, regarding the nationality of North Koreans, the majority  opinion is  that North Koreans are South Koreans, but now this  opinion  should be reviewed again. The need  to change this is seen in many unexpected cases that have occurred. In reality we are  unable to force nationality on a person who claims to be a North Korean citizen even though he is in South Korea, and in the case of North Korean defectors who have settled in the UK, they have never acquired South Korean citizenship.

 

In addition, the author gives views on how to view North Korea's land and how to revive the spirit of agreement in the inter-Korean agreement, but the writer of the column thinks the previous two suggestions are something ordinary citizens should give some thought

 

In addition to this, the author gives opinions on how to view the land in North Korea and how to preserve the consensual spirit of the inter-Korean agreement.

Judging from the facts that have occurred in our legal system in the past by the current standards, there are parts that are unconnected with reality. In this regard, he has come to accept much of the author's opinion that we need to rethink the issues involved in consideration of the expected controversy.

He looks forward to the preparations in our inter-Korean relations in all areas, including the legal system.

 

2022 Seoul Signis World Congress

 

Both Catholic Weeklies had front-page articles on the '2022 Seoul Signis World Congress' that was held in Seoul from August 15 to 18 at Sogang University, Seoul. It has been 5 years since the event was held in Quebec, Canada in 2017. 96 people from 32 countries around the world participated, and a total of 300 people including Koreans participated in the general assembly online and offline.
 
At the opening ceremony, The Vatican Minister of Public Relations, Paolo Ruffini read the message from Pope Francis to the participants: "The choice of 'peace in the digital world as the theme of the plenary session is timely."

The Vatican Minister gave a keynote talk on the topic of Isolated Individuals in the Age of Hyperconnectivity. Minister Ruffini looked at the problems of loneliness, alienation, and slowly collapsing communities found in society today, as we enter a new era in which the real and the fake are mixed in a virtual space called the metaverse.

Minister Ruffini emphasized the role of Signis in making the world a better place. "The digital world is not already created, and we can change it. On the Internet, we weave a web of truth and beauty, faith and hope. By doing so, we can build a more human-level type communication." He then awakened the mission of Catholic journalists, saying: "It is up to us to inform and connect the values ​​of solidarity, sharing, truth, and human dignity in the digital world."

"The Signis World Congress, being held during Pope Francis's synod journey, is also an important moment in the synod," said Helen Osman President of Signis World in her congratulatory speech. She also said, "Peace is not simply a state that does not cause war or has no hatred," adding, "It is in creating a world where we, with the support of Jesus Christ, deeply understand each other and where human dignity is respected."
 
On the second day, 'fake news and the crisis of trust' were dealt with centered on the keynote lecture of Dmitry Muratov, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year. (He auctioned the  Nobel Peace Prize medal donating the proceeds to UNICEF for the benefit of refugees from Ukraine. The medal sold for US$103.5 million, the highest price ever recorded for a Nobel medal).

Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek, co-chairman of the Signis World Congress and the Archbishop of Seoul, was concerned about the technology and information gap that appear in the digital world and emphasized that "communication technology that cares for everyone is the way to communicate properly in the digital world. The church should play a role in conveying the charm of personal encounters and strive to spread the good values ​​of the church in society."
 
Han Seung-soo (Daniel), the organizer of the Signis World Congress, said, "Korea is the only divided country in the world, even though it has reached the world’s highest level in IT infrastructure, technology, and market development. The fact that the SIGNS World Congress will be held in Seoul is very meaningful." He continued, "I hope that it will be a time to explore what digital media can and should do in the evangelization we pursue while freely using Korea’s digital environment."