When you hear of morality (more often immorality) you think of someone else’s behavior or life style. Actually morality is an integral part of the many decisions we make each day. Too often our decision or action is taken without considering its morality; its goodness or sinfulness. Yes, sin and evil are part of our world whether you acknowledge it or not. Part Three of the Catechism, entitled LIFE IN CHRIST, begins with a reminder to recognize our dignity in sharing God’s own nature. It cautions Christians not to return to sinful ways. The way of Christ leads to life; a contrary way leads to destruction. Moral decisions are important for our salvation. Through the inner voice of conscience, we are obliged to follow the moral law, which urges us to do good and avoid what is evil.
The morality of human acts depends on (1) the object chosen, (2) the end in view or the intention; (3) the circumstances of the action. The object chosen morally specifies the act of willing accordingly as reason recognizes and judges it good or evil. An evil action cannot be justified by reference to a good intention. A morally good act requires the three sources to be in harmony- the goodness of its object, of its end, and of its circumstances together.
You plan to buy new sneakers for an exercise class. Stop a second and evaluate the purchase by looking at the three sources of morality: the shoes (object/action), healthy exercise (intention), any restriction on your freedom to chose (circumstances). In examining a particular model you notice the shoe was imported from a country which vigorously suppresses religious liberty and actively persecutes Christians and other faiths. It is hard to see how using a product created in a system that abuses people and their rights can be a good thing, so the purchase must be judged to be wrong. Although you have the good intention to exercise, the choice is still wrong. The circumstances is the final consideration and the one were we too often rationalize away morality- this is only one pair out of millions exported; or whatever excuse. There are alternative manufactures and other ways to exercise without falling into rationalization of a poor choice.
Okay one purchase may not seem a big thing, but likely, we have a consistent pattern of easy choices. This compiling of poor choices would fly in the face of Church teaching on global Social Justice.
Free Will is God’s special gift. Salvation depends on using it wisely.