The contemplative foundation of Catholic Social Teaching

I posted this on the ITMS Facebook page today, but wanted to share it with you.

Since Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical came out, there has been more discussion about the meaning of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), you know, the best-kept secret in the church, especially in the US. Thomas Merton helps Christians understand that social teaching is not merely about policy, but about perception. Before we can build a more just society, we must learn to see rightly: God in prayer, Christ in the poor, dignity in every person, and peace as a form of faithful love. That is the contemplative foundation of Catholic Social Teaching, which remains one of Merton’s most enduring gifts. Thomas Merton helps us understand Catholic social teaching by insisting that social justice begins in contemplation: if we do not see the true self and the God-given dignity of every person, we will build society on fear, power, and illusion rather than love and truth. His message aligns closely with the seven central themes of Catholic social teaching, especially solidarity, the dignity of the person, and peace rooted in nonviolence.

Today, we are seeing people asking questions about Pope Leo’s encyclical. The encyclical is at the heart of a long tradition of understanding Catholic Social Teachings. Maybe we can find ways to weave Thomas Merton into our discussions so more people come to understand what the reign of heaven here and now means.

I wrote a guide for thinking about Merton and CST.

Thomas Merton And Catholic Social Teaching: A Contemplative Path To Social Responsibility

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