I.

The Catholic Social Teachings became a great avenue for the people to be an
exemplify example of being a holistically well-being especially in the midst of all the
issues present in the society. Moreover, this is an seven-theme principle that the
papal stated in order to address the community in a peaceful place to live in. On the
other hand, the following events challenged the teachings of the Catholic Church.

1. The Syrian ‘hell on earth’ is a tangle of power plays unlikely to end soon.
This issue has a negative impact on the first catholic teaching which is the life and dignity
of a human person. Discussing in such way that life is a sacred thing that each one of us should
value with. Moreover, I gave a stand to what is right since morally wrong since it there is
unintentional killing of people who were not really involve and innocent with the Syrian civil
war. I do believe that as a holistically human person you should still have to consider the rights
of the people that can be affected with the idea of fighting for your own sentiments against the
conflict. Everyone should preserve everyone’s life since we are created in God’s image and
likeness in such way the war that is in between the both parties would be highly resolve without
getting the other people’s life crucial. Lastly, with this kind of issue I feel very bad with the
innocent individuals who offered their life in such war especially with the youth. They had
experience the challenge of life in an early age without fulfilling the enjoyment of their
childhood. The instances that they will end their life without aiming the dream they want to be
because of the reason of sacrificing their life for the sake of war.

2. House begins deliberating marriage dissolution bill

The value of marriage is the concerned with this kind of government action. The sanctity
of the Church sacrament in unifying the man and woman with the love of Christ is challenged
when the bill will be passed in the Philippines. Furthermore, I know that there are still positive
implications about approving the bill to the people but one should take note that marriage is a
life-long commitment not only with your own relationship but also your relationship to God for
the foundation of your own family. One should also think of the possible errands in the near
future. In addition, no man can overpower God’s ability of sanctifying the marriage of unity.
The effectivity of marriage will be tested with this kind of issue since some of the people may
change the worth of being married since it can be easily dissolute. With this, I am against in
discussing about this issue if it is in a purpose to be one as other countries because we should
always take a stand on our own without depending to other countries. On the other hand, it
made me more conscious in taking decision in the future especially when it comes to
commitment. Valuing the marriage by knowing who he/she is the perfect one to have a life-
long commitment with the help of God’s guidance, love and power in which rejection will be
avoided in the future.
3. Indigenous peoples’ welfare is falling through the cracks
Indigenous people are the treasure of our past. I don’t even get the sense that material
things are being treasured the most than people who treasure our own identity as Filipinos.
They are the one whom should we recognized for and not to make them feel different unlike
the individuals who live in the urban areas. Moreover, they are being marginalized by the
upper class society in which until now I do believe that there are still inequality distinction
based on their status in life. Such that, it really disregard the second Catholic Social Teaching
which is the Call to Family, Community and Participation that everyone has its own right and
responsibility being part to a community where there are no social injustice. Marginalized
action of not looking unto the needs of the these people is what everyone should address at
since we are a member of a community that has their own responsibility to take in. Lastly, I
realized that government has a big role to take part with this kind of issue. But as a concern
individual, we should also keep in mind that we should also take our own action even in little
way for small initiative to help people in need can make a big difference to the society that
we live in.

II. After reflecting on the seven principle in the Catholic Social Teachings, I have
realized that in my 18 years of existence I should still to develop upon enriching my
relationship to God. The reflection is as follows:

1. Treasure and appreciate the sanctity of life

Human Life is considered to be the most sacred in this world. It is the gift that we ought
to God such that we should always treasure and take part to protect it. With this, we gave
our Almighty the respect in all the blessings He had given to us. Moreover, there are
some threats in our modern society that may test our faith. As a catholic that have its right
to stand about a particular situation, we should always consider the teachings of our
Church that life is sacred and no one should take it. Lastly, I have learned that valuing
your own life has a significant domino effect in the way you will treat others since you
know the worth of life in every individual.

2. Marriage is a life-long commitment

Being committed is very easy but being a committed in the name of the Lord is a life-
long decision to take. Such that, the sanctity of marriage is essential as the building block
in the foundation of a family as well as the society. Being married means you are being
unified by God as one in which you should value the relationship with your spouse since
he/she is your half. On the other hand, I have learned that God’s love is really a great
motivation in establishing a relationship. Moreover, I have remembered the time when I
have red the article about marriage that there are no perfect marriage but as long as you
are accepting, loving and enjoying whatever life may bring you, God is still there guiding
you being the center of your commitment.
3. We are socially made.
We need a companion in our journey. We are socially made by God in which we should
participate in the community that we are in. Moreover, I have realized that I still have a
big impact to the life of others since I take part in the society’s formation. I have my own
responsibility and rights to consider and should exercise with. With this practice, I am
establishing the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ that we should treasure and love one
another. Lastly, the interaction and building relationship to others enable me to be
conscious about the society I live in.