Our idea of the common good flows from Trinity

By Betty Manion

	An Advent series on Catholic Social Teaching

As baptized Catholics our U.S. bishops call us to live by seven principles or themes that provide a framework of Catholic social teaching that apply the values of our faith to important social issues.

One of these principles: "The call to family, community and participation," takes as its model the intimate, life-giving and supportive relationship of the Trinity.

With the Trinity as our model and faith as our foundation, we are reminded that as human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, we have a responsibility to live in community in an active way, rooted in Christian values. Our responsibility is to live with others in a way that honors, respects, protects and upholds the human dignity of every person and to seek the common good of all.

	A d v e n t
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Seeking the common good is often difficult. Most of us don't have a problem with treating others with dignity and respect - but do we really have an easy time seeking the common good? Maybe in our families and maybe in our parishes, but how about in our larger communities - our state, country and world?

If we really practiced this principle of the common good, would there be extreme poverty, homelessness, lack of health care and education, malnutrition and starvation in our world?

One of the best parts of my job is the privilege of participating each summer in high school service trips. These trips have given our young people, adult chaperones, and me the opportunity to experience firsthand the needs in our country and to appreciate the beauty of other cultures.

Last summer we traveled to the Ho-Chunk Indian Reservation in Winnebago, Neb. I expected to gain a deeper appreciation for the Native American tradition and to serve in a depressed area. I wasn't expecting to witness and learn so deeply the concept of the common good. That came about through the eyes of a special woman - Sarah Snake.

Sarah was our site coordinator. Her job was to oversee the group's work sites. Sarah did much more than that. Through her stories and the stories of her tribe she gave each of us a beautiful part of herself and her culture. Through the course of the week, as the students became more comfortable asking her questions about herself and her people, the questions got more intense and personal.

One evening, the group was discussing the principles of Catholic social teaching. When we got to the theme of the common good, the students asked Sarah how it related to her tribe. Sarah thought for a moment, paused and said the common good theme is pervasive in her culture - everything is approached for and by the common good. Working for one's own good is contrary to their beliefs, she said, they always think of others first. In an embarrassed and shy way, Sarah shared her own story to illustrate the point.

Sarah holds a high position in her tribe's Human Resources Department. Her position includes benefits and the option to participate in a 401k plan. Sarah chooses not to participate in her 401k plan. When the students asked her why, she said, "How can I put money away for myself when my own people have needs right now? We take care of one another. You know, what's mine is yours, oftentimes it's a question of survival."

The students listened, but then questioned her further about her own future financial security and about being a good steward of her own money. She replied, "You're right of course, we must be good stewards of our own things. But when others don't have the basics that they need to survive, then we must live by the common good. We must strive to meet the needs of others first. We do that here. So, I know that I will always have what I need. I'm not saying it's always easy, but it's right. We just give till it hurts. But it doesn't really hurt, it feels great!" She shrugged her shoulders and said, "It's that simple."

"Give till it hurts. It's that simple." I don't think so, Sarah. Maybe for you it is and your people. But for most of us it is very difficult to think of others first and to give till it hurts. But think what this world would look like if we did. Homelessness, hunger, poverty, loneliness, and so on, could be diminished and peace would reign.

Here we are approaching Christmas, a time when we do focus on the common good. Perhaps we can take Sarah's message and live it, not only this month, but the other 11 months this year. Give till it hurts, because it really doesn't. Hmmm. Thanks, Sarah, what a beautiful thought.

(Manion is director of religious education at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Waupaca.)