The people of the world are the concerns of the people of God. In the Second Vatican Council’s document Gaudium et Spes, the common good was defined as “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment.” We were born “in the image and likeness of God,” and we are in this world for the truth and to help serve. We live in a society in which either people accept sacrifices for a common good or a society in which people want to only protect their own lives and seek benefits. We as human beings are split within ourselves – we have an inclination towards good and evil. We try to pursue our own goals but also recognize and respect the goals we have in common with others.
Many technological changes have created interdependence without fostering interpersonal relationships. All members of society have an access to the common good and no one can be easily excluded. For instance, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy clean air and water, and live in an unpolluted environment. “…every Catholic has an obligation to think seriously and act purposely to aid those suffering around them and around the world.” This quote shows how it is important to treat everyone with respect and the way you would like to be treated including the poor and vulnerable. We should identify our neighbors on the process of loving them, not based on your own judgments. “God cannot be loved in isolation, but only in and through loving other people.” If you care for your neighbors, then you will automatically be caring for God. Neighbors are your family, and so it is important to treat them the same way as you treat your family.
The common good consists of social systems, institutions and the environment in which we all work in that benefits people. Some examples of this include the health care system, education system, public safety and security. In particular, education was mentioned in the Characteristics...
