At-Home Lesson#4

Part 2. Together We Are Strong: THE CHURCH'S SOCIAL MISSION

Topic 1: Social Butterflies [1]

Behind DOCAT

We all know someone who loves to be around people constantly. Whether it’s hanging out with a group of friends or meeting new people, these “social butterflies” flit from one interaction to another, happy to be constantly encountering and relating to other people. Maybe this is you, or maybe you don’t love being around other people all the time. But whether you are an extrovert thriving on being around other people or an introvert needing some solitude to recharge, you are most certainly a social creature. All of us are created for community because we are created in the image and likeness of the Triune God, who is himself a community of Persons.

It is not only our human nature but also our vocation as Christians that makes us social. The Church is a community—even more than that, the Church is the Body of Christ. And so while we maintain our individuality, we do so as members of something larger than ourselves. This connects us in a very real way with every other member of the Body. This deep and abiding connection is at the heart of the social mission of the Church.

Read DOCAT

Read the content under DOCAT# 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 (numbers in blue circle) from DOCAT p.34~p.40. [2]

What Does DOCAT Say?

1. What are the two purposes of social doctrine?

2. To what does the term “social doctrine” refer?

3. According to DOCAT#26, is God (and therefore his Church) interested in the individual or the community?

Answer the above questions [Click Here]

What Does the Bible Say?

1. Read Genesis 2:18. Throughout the account of creation, God declares over and over that “it is good.” According to Genesis 2:18, what is the first thing that is “not good” in creation? Why do you think this situation is not good?

2. Read Psalm 139. What does Psalm 139 have to say about God’s concern for you as an individual?

3. Read Revelation 21:2-3. The “holy city, new Jerusalem” in Revelation is the Church. What does this passage tell us about the relationship between God, the Church, and us?

Answer the above questions [Click Here]

DO Reflect

We are created for relationship with one another and ultimately with God. That means we aren’t expected to get through life on our own. Of course, no matter what you face, God is with us. But even with that encouragement, we may sometimes find ourselves wishing we could see and feel and hear God at our side. This is one of the reasons Jesus gave us the Church—to be the community that we need to help us through this life and to get us to Heaven. This is a huge gift! It means we have not only our friends and family as our community, but also our parish, the whole Church here on earth, as well as the entire communion of saints in Heaven. Talk about a great community! But membership in the Body of Christ comes with responsibility as well. Just as other members of the body will help us along the way, we also need to offer our love and prayers in the service of others. This is the shape of the journey: you, Christ, and the rest of the Church. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

1. In what ways do you most need the help of the Church?

2. What are some ways that you live out your responsibility to other members of the Body of Christ?

3. Why is it important that the Church is a tangible, visible community and not just a spiritual reality?

Answer the above reflection questions [Click Here]

DO Chat

1. Why do you think the Christian concept of the dignity of the human person is a necessary foundation for a free and just social order?

2. What are some of the signs of the times, the urgent social questions of our world today?

3. DOCAT#24 says that “all members of the Church. . . participate in the development of social doctrine.” What are some things you can do to participate in the development of social doctrine?

   1. Answer the above questions [Click Here]

DO Challenge

Think and Thank:

On whom do you rely the most in your daily life? Make a point this week of thanking that person for his or her support. Who relies on you? Think of a way that you can be an even greater support to that person this week.

Pray:

Ask God how you can strengthen your bond with other members of the Body of Christ.

References / Citations

[1] DOCAT Study Guide. San Francisco, Calif: Ignatius Press, 2016.

[2] DOCAT: What to do? The Social Teaching of the Catholic Church. San Francisco, Calif: Ignatius Press, 2016.

[3] BibleGateway (online bible). https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Good-News-Translation-GNT-Bible/