410. How does one participate in bringing about the common good?
(Comp 410) All men and women according
to the place and role that they occupy participate in promoting the common good
by respecting just laws and taking charge of the areas for which they have
personal responsibility such as the care of their own family and the commitment
to their own work. Citizens also should take an active part in public life as
far as possible.
“In brief”
(CCC 1926) The dignity of the human person requires the
pursuit of the common good. Everyone should be concerned to create and support
institutions that improve the conditions of human life.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1913) "Participation" is the voluntary and
generous engagement of a person in social interchange. 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. (CCC 1914)
Participation is achieved first of all by taking charge of the areas for which
one assumes personal responsibility:
by the care taken for the education of his family, by conscientious work, and
so forth, man participates in the good of others and of society (Cf. CA 43). (CCC
1915) As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life. The manner of this
participation may vary from one country or culture to another. "One must
pay tribute to those nations whose systems permit the largest possible number
of the citizens to take part in public life in a climate of genuine
freedom" (GS 31 § 3).
Reflection
(CCC 1916) As with any ethical obligation, the participation
of all in realizing the common good calls for a continually renewed conversion of the social partners. Fraud
and other subterfuges, by which some people evade the constraints of the law
and the prescriptions of societal obligation, must be firmly condemned because
they are incompatible with the requirements of justice. Much care should be
taken to promote institutions that improve the conditions of human life (Cf. GS
30 § 1). (CCC 1917) It is incumbent on those who exercise authority to
strengthen the values that inspire the confidence of the members of the group
and encourage them to put themselves at the service of others. Participation
begins with education and culture. "One is entitled to think that the
future of humanity is in the hands of those who are capable of providing the
generations to come with reasons for life and optimism" (GS 31 § 3).
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