Monday, April 24, 2006
Gaudium et Spes 46
Section 46 begins part II of Gaudium et Spes, treating "some problems of special urgency," as the title describes.
This council has set forth the dignity of the human person, and the work which (people) have been destined to undertake throughout the world both as individuals and as members of society. There are a number of particularly urgent needs characterizing the present age, needs which go to the roots of the human race. To a consideration of these in the light of the Gospel and of human experience, the council would now direct the attention of all.
Of the many subjects arousing universal concern today, it may be helpful to concentrate on these:
- marriage and the family, (sections 47-52)
- human progress, (literally, sections 53-62 treat "The Proper Development of Culture")
- life in its economic, social and political dimensions, (sections 63-76)
- the bonds between the family of nations, and peace. (sections 77-93)
On each of these may there shine the radiant ideals proclaimed by Christ. By these ideals may Christians be led, and all (humankind) enlightened, as they search for answers to questions of such complexity.
We'll see how it works out.
