Ownership Chapter 14

Everything is Owned Almost everything is “owned” by a person or group in one way or another. Ex: “Stuff” is owned by people; land, buildings, etc. is owned by state/groups of other kinds Above all, everything is “owned” by God, since He made it for us to give Him praise and to serve Him. We must use created things well, according to God’s plan. We must take care of this creation by being good stewards.

The 7th Commandment: “Thou Shall Not Steal” Everyone has the right to have their possessions safe and to feel they are protected. “Thou Shall Not Steal” means we should never take or use anything that does not belong to us without permission. We should respect our own property and the property of others. The 7th Commandment: “Thou Shall Not Steal”

Ways of violating the Seventh Commandment Not Taking Care of the Environment Stealing Ideas/Cheating on a Test Stealing Things Usury is lending money at a higher rate of interest than necessary. Fraud is purposefully breaking a contract when dealing with other people’s property. Vandalism is purposely damaging or destroying something.

Restitution is making up for what has been stolen, damaged, or destroyed.  Luke 19:5-10 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.  All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.”  Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.”  Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” Restitution

The 10th Commandment calls us to be happy with what we have and what we do not have. Avarice is excessive desire for wealth and things. We are also called to be happy with another’s success or good fortune. Envy is being resentful of another’s success or good fortune. “Thou Shall Not Covet”

Justice and Charity Justice: Giving people what they deserve Paying fair wages, owning property, etc. Charity: Giving people what they need Sharing money, property, etc. with people who need it more than you do. Charity fills in the gaps of justice.

Prudence—recognizing the good and the best way of attaining it…the ability to act in the best way in any circumstance. Justice—giving God and neighbor what they deserve…respect the rights of others Fortitude (Courage)— overcoming temptations and obstacles in order to do good…doing good in the face of difficulties Temperance—having self- discipline and moderating pleasure…not abusing food, alcohol, or other created goods Cardinal Virtues Theological Virtues—developed for our relationship with God…faith, hope and charity Cardinal Virtues—developed to help us live out the gospel message …prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance

St. Francis and Poverty Francis was the son of a rich man, who abandoned all his wealth to wander around begging, preaching to others, and praising God. Through his example, a great religious order began. Not all of us are called to be this radical or to give away all that we have. We must allow God to be above all material things, and to be content with having only what we need to serve Him. Reflection: What are the things that would be the most difficult for you to give up?