Gerald Zardz B.

Remojo
INTRODUCTION:
Mater et Magistra, an encyclical written by Pope John XXIII in the 15th day of May 1961 that was
promulgated. A total of 264 paragraphs that is written in the encyclical. The encyclical was
written in observance to the 70th anniversary of Pope Leo XIIIs encyclical Rerum novarum. It
also the names the social teaching of Pope Pius XIs Quadragesimo anno. Also Mater et Magistra
is the 5th out of 8 encyclical that is written by the Pontificate.
THESIS:
The concept of this encyclical focuses mostly on the Rerum Novarum and the other is
Quadragesimo Anno. Cited in the encyclical, in the time of Pope Leo XIII, there is a problem of
the economic matters especially in oppose any correlation between economics and morality.
Personal gain was considered the only valid motive for economic activity. In the business the
main operative principle was that of free and unrestricted competition. The Pope outline clearly
and authoritatively about the basic economic and social principles for the reconstruction of
human society.
SUMMARY:
The impact of Rerum Novarum is outstanding instance of the social teaching and action carried
by the church. Which undoubtly that a magnificent encyclical the Rerum Novarum on the
Christianising of the conditions of the working classes. In the part of work, which is regarded
not merely as a commodity but as a specifically human activity. In most cases a mans work is
his sole means of livelihood. Which is cannot be made to depend on the state of the market.
Rather it is determined by the laws of justice and equity. Pope Pius XII repeated the teaching of
the leonine encyclical maintaining that a mans work is at once his duty and his right. It is for
the individuals, therefore, to manage their mutual relations where their work is concerned. As
for the State, its main existence is realization of the common good in the temporal order, it must
do all the power to promote the production of sufficient supply in goods, which is important to
exercise the practice of virtue and also it has a duty to protect the weaker members, the workers,
women and children. The state shouldnt shirk its obligations and for the betterment of the
workingmen. As for the wage system the Pope condemned the inhuman and unjust in way of
the violating the justice and equity of the terms and conditions to be observed. Our Predecessor
clearly points out the suggestion of circumstances that the wage-contract be somewhat modified
by applying to it elements taken from the contract of partnership.

COMMENT:
My remark about this encyclical especially in the contemporary context here in the Philippines.
The state should be cite the roles. As for the State, its whole raison d'etre is the realization of the
common good in the temporal order. It cannot, therefore, hold aloof from economic matters

(Paragraph 20, Mater et Magistra). Since poverty here in the country very visual to the people,
due to the corruption and evasion of the obligations of the government. State should solve these
kind of problems regarding to human injustices and promote charity and basic programs to
which can help fellow Filipinos to have source of income and the promotion of common as
stated in (Paragraph 40, Mater et Magistra) by achieve in social justice a national and juridical
order, with its network of public and private institutions, in which all economic activity can be
conducted not merely for private gain but also in the interest of the common good. The social
community, seek primarily justice and equality among them especially the disparity between
the rich and poor. The rich became grows his/her wealth while the poor becomes more
vulnerable in fighting poverty because prices necessities increases because of circumstances like
economy, weather and etc. But this dispute should end if we work together as a community
where there is no differences in class but rather to work for the betterment for the country like
just fixed wages for the workers. The improvement of the life of the wage-earners by making
laws that may uplift the poverty of this people that all of us may enjoy. The church outlined to
support social justice and help the need through charity and sharing of knowledge that
improvement or inspire peoples live to do better. In reference to (Paragraph 28, Mater et
Magistra)

PERSONAL THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION:

As for the reflection, the encyclical Mother and teacher contributes Catholic social teachings in
the society where there is a change from generation to generation. Different views of life
especially in the technology world where in technology enslaves us. Depending how people
treat it. Some things ignored not because of people dont care the present situation. Rather they
lack of what is needed. Moreover, the teachings of the Church help us to give more visual of the
reality. The injustices of people, war and social disorder which tear us apart but rather make a
stand as the church, like Mother has strong foundations of what is for the common good, to
promote peace and empowerment of the weak especially the poor. I myself be a part of that
justice of what the Catholic church said, through Christ examples where in His life, people
where moved and witnessed on how Gods compassionate love and mercy that most of them
shared the mission of Christ of what his started should be active in future in short, to share
Gods love and this love should put through charity.

CONCLUSION:
Therefore my conclusion to this encyclical is that the Pope is inviting us to become more aware
of the real world situation. Especially the dispute of the workers and the rich that these two
should end the disorder that the Pope want us to promote social justice and restoring human
dignity. Workers should regulate their human solidarity and Christian brotherhood. The
importance of common good reflects on how people the economic society shouldnt obliterate
the rights of the workers because at the end of the day getting rich isnt the goal but rather to

help the poor in getting stable jobs, promote laws to stop poverty. Ultimate purpose for this
encyclical is to seek appropriate solutions to the many social problems in the present time that
also in future, these teachings will also help to address the new and important problems in
coming years.