Exploring Catholic Social Teaching

LESSON PLAN
C. Point out that at each Holy Mass, those gathered pray for a series of intentions during the
Prayers of the Faithful. After praying for the needs of the Church, we pray for public authorities
and the salvation of the whole world. In addition to praying at Mass, Christians should
remember those in authority (from parents to teachers to those at all levels of government) in
their daily prayers.
D. Now ask, for what reason does St. Paul write that should we pray for all in authority? Are we
praying that our nation will be strong and powerful or that we will be rich and prosperous? Of
course the answer is no. We pray for public authorities so “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil
life in all devotion and dignity.” In other words, we are praying for peace — with God, as well as
within our families, with other citizens, and with other nations. The Catechism defines peace
as “the stability and security of a just order” (1909). Good government leads to earthly peace for
individuals and nations.
E. Earthly peace is a good and very important goal — one we must all strive for. But spiritual peace
is an even greater one. What is the stability of a just order, spiritually speaking? Spiritual peace
is man restored to communion with God. Jesus Christ made this peace possible by reconciling us to
the Father by His sacrifice on the Cross. Another way of saying this is that He justifies us — restores
justice to the order between God and man, conferred through the Sacrament of Baptism. He
reconciles us to Himself and the Church when we sin through the Sacrament of Confession. He
also gives us His peace in the Eucharist. One of the last things we say at mass before we receive
the Eucharist is “…Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” The ultimate
peace is found in being united with Christ. On earth, we receive this gift chiefly in the Eucharist.
Activity
A. Read aloud from Matthew 5:9:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
B. After meditating on this verse from the Beatitudes for a few moments, have students explain on
their own paper at least one earthly way and one spiritual way that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
For example:
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He restores man to communion with God (the just order between God and humanity) with
His sacrifice on the Cross. (spiritual peace)
He reconciles us to Him and the Church when we sin in the Sacrament of Confession.
(spiritual peace)
He offers us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, so we can be united with Him and His
Church, the Body of Christ. (spiritual peace)
He commands us to work for a just order between ourselves, that is, rightly-ordered
relationships among families, communities—including special care for the poor—and among
nations. (earthly peace)
EXPLORING CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING, lesson 11
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