The Magisterium leaves us in no doubt .
On Dec 7th 1965 the document "Gaudium et Spes" of the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Church was promulgated .
In it we read : " God intended the earth with everything contained in it for the use of all human beings and peoples. Thus, under the leadership of justice and in the company of charity, created goods should be in abundance for all in like manner. Whatever the forms of property may be, as adapted to the legitimate institutions of peoples, according to diverse and changeable circumstances, attention must always be paid to this universal destination of earthly goods. In using them, therefore, man should regard the external things that he legitimately possesses not only as his own but also as common in the sense that they should be able to benefit not only him but also others. On the other hand, the right of having a share of earthly goods sufficient for oneself and one's family belongs to everyone. The Fathers and Doctors of the Church held this opinion, teaching that men are obliged to come to the relief of the poor and to do so not merely out of their superfluous goods. If one is in extreme necessity, he has the right to procure for himself what he needs out of the riches of others. Since there are so many people prostrate with hunger in the world, this sacred council urges all, both individuals and governments, to remember the aphorism of the Fathers, "Feed the man dying of hunger, because if you have not fed him, you have killed him," and really to share and employ their earthly goods, according to the ability of each, especially by supporting individuals or peoples with the aid by which they may be able to help and develop themselves. "
All should be allowed to have access thru their efforts.
No one should be denied the ability to go out and find work due to discrimination.
All should be allowed to perform charity thru their Christian communities.
All should be caring about the other.
This is how i was taught this meant...
When God blesses man with property - he - thru his will and subjection to God - ought to share the wealth thru charity.
Thru giving - because he so chooses to give back to God's ppl [the community of the Church] the blessings he knows God has rendered to him.
For God will take account of what He gives us.
IN performing charity - and acts of giving - we become servants of the Lord.
We show ppl thru our generosity what God ordained mankind to do for others.
The Church then - spreads our charity to others - being the role model to the world of what His Church is.
The sisters in 3rd world countries - have food [thru our generous giving to these nations thru the Church] who rightfully teach Christ - and also rightly teach laboring for a meal....as St Paul condoned we do.
For he said we do not eat another's bread UNLESS we labor for it.
It is an act of love to teach others 'how to work and be employed' so they eat every day.
WE should be collecting and establishing educational means to 3rd world countries so they can prosper and not live off charity always.
Truly loving another is offering them means of dignity.
And government taking taxes - doesnt always work out for the poor. You are talking about secular means that are disinterested entity in regards to salvation for the soul.
And many times - rob the taxes.
This is why every government program - out of the Church's control mind you - takes in and robs...and causes a default.
Higher taxes - do the opposite of what we 'hope' they do.
Some taxes for these purposes are helpful - and keeps the entire economy rolling along so the tax system is in a steady place - while taxes are low enough for business owners to hire out more ppl who have less need for government assistance.
Some taxes help the truly indigent - even world wide - but high taxes destroys a nation.
Let's look at an example - if the Church were demanding 10% from every person - which it doesnt - if it did - it may create hardships. WE are supposed to give when we can afford... but still give.
Now imagine if the Church demanded 40% of your income [post nominal taxes as an example we only paid out 10% in taxes]... would you be able to provide for your families?
Now when we
have government upping the tax hike - so what does that do for charitable giving? How much is left for us to give to the Church - when it all is said and done?
Our offerings become meager.
The charity done world wide becomes very restricted.
So we either pay high taxes and low charity ...
OR
We pay low taxes and higher charity.
Lower taxes means - more employment - more businesses available to create jobs.
So when the Church proposes this - as above - she is not proposing high taxes - for nominal taxes causes an economy to thrive.
It really does work that way.
And a strong economy works out for everyone. A weak economy of high taxes causes very high unemployment - and ppl are unable to help others.... let alone themselves very often.
