The ancient precepts of Exodus are recalled and applied to the moment in the preaching of the prophets, who represent the critical conscience of Israel.
If the DDDF were interested in a very thorough look at human dignity, Israel’s prophetic tradition could pile it on.
The prophets Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah have entire chapters denouncing injustice. Amos bitterly decries the oppression of the poor and his listeners’ failure to recognize any fundamental human dignity in the destitute (cf. Amos 2:6-7; 4:1; 5:11-12). Isaiah pronounces a curse against those who trample on the rights of the poor, denying them all justice: “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice” (Isaiah 10:1-2).
It is all too easy for some believers to focus on their own experiences, and neglect assisting others, or even noticing them. The hallmark of Judaism–as well as the other monotheistic religions–is orthopraxis, right practice of the faith in terms of carrying out God’s mercy on those in deeper need than oneself.
In Judaism, it is not only the prophets, but Wisdom figures of the post-Exile, and even into the era of the century before Jesus. Labor advocates would smile at Ben Sira:
This prophetic teaching is echoed in Wisdom Literature. For example, Sirach equates the oppression of the poor with murder: “To take away a neighbor’s living is to murder him; to deprive an employee of his wages is to shed blood” (Sirach 34:22).
Even in song, Israel acknowledges God sides with the needy:
In the Psalms, the religious relationship with God comes through the defense of the weak and needy: “Do justice for the weak and the orphan; give justice to the poor and afflicted. Rescue the weak and the needy; set them free from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4).
I’d offer more songs for consideration: Psalm 58 and Psalm 40 and Psalm 146 and Psalm 50. Shall I go on? All variations on a theme from our religious heritage.
Click this link to read the DDDF document on the Vatican site.
Catholic Sensibility 