THE CHRISTIAN MODE OF PRODUCTION.

CORPUS CHRISTI.
MOST SACRED BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST.
(First reading: Genesis 14:18-20) (Second reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
(Gospel: Luke 9:11-17)
June 10, 2007.

THE CHRISTIAN MODE
OF PRODUCTION.

Human life on earth is not possible unless human beings provide for themselves the material goods necessary for their sustenance. It goes without saying that the concept of human life involves both the physical and the spiritual aspects; aspects which are intrinsic parts of what makes up the human person.

The specific manner in which a collectivity of people relate to one another in the process of producing the material goods necessary for their sustenance, is what we call a mode of production.

Throughout the history of humanity there have been varied modes of production, the main ones being:
- The slave mode of production in which some human beings (the slave owners) force their fellow human beings (the slaves) into producing the economic goods which would be appropriated by the former.

In this mode of production the relation between human beings is one of ownership of the person of the slave by the slave owner.

- The feudal mode of production in which a few human beings (the feudal lords) force their fellow human beings attached to the agricultural lands (the servants) into producing the economic goods; goods which in almost its totality are appropriated by the owners of the land.

In this mode of production the relation between human beings is one of ownership of the land to which the servants are attached.

- The capitalist mode of production in which a few individuals (the capitalists) appropriate the product of the labor of other human beings (the laborers) who are forced to sell the only commodity they possess - their labor force - at a price (salary) lower than what that labor force is actually worth.

In this mode of production the relation between human beings is based on the exclusive ownership of the means of production by the capitalist.

- The socialist mode of production in which a collectivity (i.e. the state) assumes the ownership of the means of production as well as the responsibility of producing the economic goods which in turn are to be destined for the sustenance of the collectivity itself.

In this mode of production the relation between human beings is based on ownership of the means of production by the state.

The gospel today speaks of a different mode of production, a Christian mode of production, a mode of production in which the relation between human beings is based on unity, harmony and mutual respect, a mode based on the way God relates to human beings.

Human beings united with and guided by God in Jesus Christ produce the material goods necessary for their sustenance: human beings contribute what they have - "five loaves of bread and two fish" (Luke 9:13). The Lord Jesus provides the love and concern for his fellow human beings and thus produces what is needed for the satisfaction of the needs of the people to the point of abundance: "What they had left, over and above, filled twelve baskets". (Luke 9:17)

The miracle begins at the stage of production of material goods; the miracle is absolutely real for it not only causes the multiplication of the "bread and fish" but, above all, it shows that if we, human beings, care for one another the way God cares for us, we shall attain the abundant production of the economic goods we need for our sustenance.

Anyone who cares for and loves and respects his fellow human beings is in actuality imitating Jesus in "raising his eyes to heaven" (Luke 9:16).

No one can say that he "raises his eyes to heaven" unless he respects and cares for his fellow human beings.

Therefore, we must not enslave or subject into servitude or exploit or oppress our fellow human beings (as the other modes of production do) in order to produce the economic goods we need.

The Lord Jesus seems to be telling us today: "Just as I have produced the material goods to feed you, so must you".

The miracle, thus, begins at the stage of production of economic goods and continues throughout the entire economic process (including, of course, the stage of distribution which is so clearly presented in the gospel).

This miracle will continue to occur whenever people produce economic goods for the sole purpose of satisfying the needs of all human beings, not just for the enrichment or benefit of a given individual or group.

The Body of Christ (which is humanity) will be properly ministered to only when we look after the benefit of all, when the economic goods are produced by all and for the benefit of all.