Exploring Catholic Social Teaching

8 What does commutative justice regulate? Whom does it involve? Commutative justice regulates
exchanges between persons and between institutions in accordance with a strict respect for their rights.
It involves two parties of equal standing and the certain shared obligations they have toward each other.
9 What is the difference between a covenant and a contract, and how do both reflect commutative
justice? In a contract, when one of the parties fails to meet their obligation, the other party is free of the
contract. This distinguishes a contractual from a covenantal relationship. In a covenant, both parties are
obligated to the terms of the covenant, even if one party fails. Both reflect commutative justice because
they involve the obligation to fulfill what we have promised to do so long as the agreement is morally
sound and reasonable.
10 What is social justice? Why is social justice incompatible with socialism? Social justice is the
responsibility of each member of a society to respect the dignity of every human being created in the
image and likeness of God. Socialism can never be just because it undermines the basic right to enjoy
the fruits of one’s labor and destroys the right to exercise free initiative in the economy.
11 Why is supporting those in need not a matter of charity but of justice? We are our neighbor’s
keeper; we have a Christian responsibility to those in our society, and that obligates us to ensure that no
one is deprived of basic needs.
12 What injustices did St. Martin de Porres experience in his family life? In the Dominican community?
What lessons can we learn from his response? Martin’s father abandoned him and his mother,
a great injustice to them both. In the Dominican community, he faced institutionalized racism: he was not
allowed to become a professed member because he was mixed race. He responded with meekness and
humility, persevering in prayer and service to God and neighbor. Martin always sought to serve Christ in
love rather than fall into bitterness.
162 Exploring Catholic Social Teaching
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