Fourth Quarter Morality Journal #2

1.  Two of the Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching I see apparent at SLUH are (1) The Principle of Association and (2) The Principle of Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable.  The Principle of Association stresses that the centerpiece of society is family.  This includes immediate family and other social institutions.  At SLUH we are one big family.  We stress the idea of “brotherhood” and really follow it close to heart.  The student body, along with the faculty, come together frequently at masses, sporting events, and tragedies.  An example would be the death of Chris Zandstra, a SLUH sophomore.  Some would say that the sophomore class grew closer together and was hit hard, which is true, but I also think that the whole student body was affected by this tragedy and grew closer together.  Every student felt comforted in this time of sadness and always knew where he could turn, their family, their fellow SLUH students and faculty.  I also see the Principle of Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable apparent at SLUH.  This principle stresses that the needs of the poor should come first, and in my mind is exactly what SLUH stresses.  It seems like almost every day there is a collection or drive for the poor at SLUH.  By doing this, we really stress the importance of putting the poor first.  But just having collections and drives isn’t enough, contributing is a key part and I think many people at SLUH, not all, contribute greatly to these drives and collections.  Almost every person realizes how much we can help and the satisfaction you get when you do.

While I see these two principles apparent at SLUH, I also see two missing at SLUH.  These two are (1) The Principle of Participation and (2) The Principle of Human Equality.  I do not think that SLUH shuts people out from participating, but rather that it just happens.  Sometimes it is also that certain people do not want to participate.  For me, being from North County, it is hard to participate because of the distance.  Most of the students from SLUH don’t live far from each other and it is easy for them to hang out with each other.  For me it is different.  I have a hard time participating in SLUH activities and hanging out with my classmates outside of school.  I do think that I could make a greater effort though.  I am only one example of this and once again do not think that this is SLUH’s fault but the Principle of Participation is missing at SLUH.  Even though the Principle of Association is present, the Principle of Human Equality isn’t all the time.  I think that it is present sometimes but not all the time as it should be.  Sometimes at SLUH there are the people that think they are better than others and are “cooler” or more “popular” than others.  This is not always true, but I have seen evidence of it around.  Making fun of other students is probably the biggest problem.  When someone does something wrong some people will degrade this student and make fun of him.  Doing this is wrong, and is breaking the Principle of Human Equality, which stresses treating every person equally and with justice.

2. 

This image was found on google images

3. The first of two key ideas I want to remember is the story of the “Bad Samaritan.” After watching the interview and hearing his story, I could not get over the fact that he just left the restroom after seeing what he saw.  I still don’t understand why he would do this and don’t agree with his reasons for not doing anything about the situation.  It seemed as if he was more concerned about protecting himself and not the innocent little girl.  This story was quite disturbing and I realized that it is essential to have a well formed conscience.  I think if he would have had a well formed conscience he might have done something about it.  By still thinking he did the right thing, really makes me think he still doesn’t have a well formed conscience, which is upsetting.  I am really focused on making sure I have a well formed conscience and focus on the needs of others and not just myself.  I should recognize when others need help and be there for them, my brothers and sisters.

The second key idea I want to remember is actually two things closely related: the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy.  I think by remembering these works of mercy I will grow as a person, especially by carrying them out in my everyday life.  I think that if I focus on one of each work of mercy a week I will be a much greater person.  The corporal works of mercy take a little more time and focus to fulfill, but are very complete able.  The spiritual works of mercy are easier to carry out in everyday life, but doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for the corporal works to be fulfilled. By remembering these works of mercy I will be eternally happy and will help make the world a greater place.

4.  Building off of the reflection, how can I improve on the Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teachings in my life?

I think that by doing simple actions and remembering key ideas, that most people forget, I can become a better individual and improve on the ten building blocks.  The first, and maybe most obvious, is to follow the Ten Commandments.  By doing this I can improve many of the aspects in the building blocks.  I should also not judge people or jump to conclusions.  I should give others respect always, I do not determine who should receive respect, everyone deserves it.  I need to stand up for my beliefs and my religious beliefs, for example abortion.  I want to make sure that I include everyone and not leave them out.  I should treat them like my brothers and sisters.  I also need to give everyone a chance and not make assumptions about people that I do not know.  I need to look at and be aware of my surroundings and take care for the poor and needy.  One of the most important things is to not put myself above others and to remember everyone is equal, no matter what.  By remembering and practicing these ideas I will improve and make apparent all of the Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teachings in my life.