Participation in Family and Community for the Common Good
“I tell you whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.” (Mt. 25:40)
TENET OF SOCIAL JUSTICE: The Catholic tradition proclaims that a person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economic, politics, law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of the individuals to grow in community. The family is the central social institution that must be supported and strengthened. While our society often exalts individualism, the Catholic tradition reaches that society grows beginning with family and culminating in community. People have a right and duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. The role of government and other institutions is to protect human life and human dignity and to promote the common good. Everyone has a right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and employment, and the responsibility to respect the rights of others. We are all God’s household, God’s Body. No one should be excluded. Since we exist as community, justice impels us to generosity beyond our family.
SALESIAN THEME: Living spiritually in the midst of our ordinary activities and busyness. We are called to love God in the interpersonal exchanges of family, community and friends. It is what goes on between persons in their relationships that is the essence of living Jesus. Thus justice in a Salesian perspective is about right relationships. For Francis de Sales human relationships are central for holiness.
REFLECTIONS
- How can we witness community to a culture where individualism is given priority?
- How does Salesian spirituality influence my witness to community?
- Salesian spirituality calls us to interior Peace and to seek the common good. What other actions do you think are called for?
- 4. In what ways can we engage in public dialogue while embracing a Salesian manner?
- Do I commit myself to vote? Why?
- How generous is my family within and beyond itelf?
- Which of my family relationships need attention or healing?
- How do I define right relationship?
- What forces militate against community?
- How do I work for the common good?
Source: Justice Shall Flourish booklet