It is inherent in our human dignity that we help others

By Br. Steve Herro, O.Praem.

	An Advent series on Catholic Social Teaching

Here are some resources for further study and reflection on "The Common Good":

Quotes from scripture

• "God forms a covenant with God's people" (Gn 17:1-8).

	A d v e n t
	• Other Everyday People, Everyday Faith articles
	• Other Advent articles

• "Give to God what is God's; give to Caesar what is Caesar's" (Mk 12:13-27).

• "Go forth and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19-20).

Quotes from church documents

• "It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. Participation is achieved first of all by taking charge of the areas for which one assumes personal responsibility...As far as possible, citizens should take an active role in public life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1913-1915)

• "Global climate is by its very nature a part of the planetary commons. The earth's atmosphere encompasses all people, creatures, and habitats. The melting of ice sheets and glaciers, the destruction of rain forests, and the pollution of water in one place can have environmental impacts elsewhere. As Pope John Paul II has said, 'We cannot interfere in one area of the ecosystem without paying due attention both to the consequences of such interference in other areas and to the well-being of future generations.' Responses to global climate change should reflect our interdependence and common responsibility for the future of our planet. Individual nations must measure their own self-interest against the greater common good and contribute equitably to global solutions." (Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good, USCCB, #15)

• "It is necessary that public authorities have a correct understanding of the common good. This embraces the sum total of those conditions of social living, whereby people are enabled more fully and more readily to achieve their own perfection (Mater et Magistra, Pope John Paul II, #65).

• "It is necessary to go back to seeing the family as the sanctuary of life. The family is indeed sacred: It is the place in which life - the gift of God - can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed, and can develop in accordance with what constitutes authentic human growth. In the face of the so-called culture of death, the family is the heart of the culture of life." (Centesimus Annus (On the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum), by Pope John Paul II, #39)

• "The very nature of the common good requires that all members of the state be entitled to share in it, although in different ways according to each one's tasks, merits and circumstances. For this reason, every civil authority must take pains to promote the common good of all, without preference for any single citizen or civic group. As Our Predecessor of immortal memory, Leo XIII, has said: 'The civil power must not serve the advantage of any one individual, or of some few persons, inasmuch as it was established for the common good of all.' Considerations of justice and equity, however, can at times demand that those involved in civil government give more attention to the less fortunate members of the community, since they are less able to defend their rights and to assert their legitimate claims." (Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), by Pope John XXIII, #56

• "It is necessary that public authorities have a correct understanding of the common good. This embraces the sum total of those conditions of social living, whereby people are enabled more fully and more readily to achieve their own perfection (Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher), by Pope John Paul II, #65).

• "The people of our nation have a history of concern for the common good. That concern is expressed through public policy enacted by our elected officials. Public health programs, public safety, economic safety nets, education, and free public libraries: These are just a few examples of what we accomplish when we work together to better society.

"And it is not just organized or governmental programs that show us in our best light. Consider the stories of concerned individuals who live their faith in simple, quiet moments of personal generosity: Neighbors looking out for neighbors. A helping hand. A moment of care and kindness.

"Yes, we as a people are capable of great acts of kindness and generosity. But I truly believe this happens because of the fundamental decency of our people.

"How can we speak of the promotion of the common good without mentioning our own Catholic school systems, which have for so long addressed the great needs to be found in our inner cities, our suburbs, and our rural communities? Our Catholic health care network provides a much-needed social safety net from one shore to another. Catholic Charities agencies minister to those in greatest needs, without concern for faith or creed..." (Bp. William Skylstad, "The Discourse Needed in Society and the Church," Origins, Nov. 23, 2006, p. 375)

Movies and books

• Outfoxed

• Dave

• Making of the President (1960, 1964, 1968) by Theodore White

• Profiles in Courage by John Kennedy

• Servant as Leader by Robert Greenleaf

Websites

• Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good thecatholicalliance.org/new

• Network for Good www.networkforgood.org

• Give.org www.give.org

• Faithful Citizenship www.faithfulcitizenship.org

• Faith in Public Life www.faithinpubliclife.org

Questions for discussion and action

• What are dominant values in your family and community life? What values do you want to be dominant and why?

• What can you do to ensure that persons living in poverty in your community have a voice in matters affecting the community and their own lives?

• What basic human rights do you believe our society should guarantee?

Prayer

Prayer for Community
Embracing Father,
You grace each of us with equal measure in your love.
Let us learn to love our neighbors more deeply,
so that we can create
peaceful and just communities.
Inspire us to use our creative energies
to build the structures we need
to overcome the obstacles of intolerance and indifference. May Jesus provide us the example needed
and send the Spirit to warm our hearts for the journey.
Amen
(Source: Being Neighbor: The Catechism and Social Justice, USCCB, April, 1998)

Sources: Catholic Charities Central Texas, Faithful Citizenship (www.ccctx.org/fc_cst_family.php); Office of Social Justice St. Paul and Minneapolis: Catholic Social Teaching (www.osjspm.org/the_common_good.aspx); Archdiocese of Seattle: Religious Education Curricula - Passing on the Gift of Faith, 1999-2000 Catholic Social Teaching (www.seattlearch.org/FormationAndEducation/CatholicFaithFormation/SocTeaching/); Principles, Prophecy, and a Pastoral Response, Rev. Ed., 2001; U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)

(Br. Herro is the social concerns consultant for the Green Bay Diocese.)