By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
The Apostle Paul did not want the people of Corinth to misunderstand the truth about spiritual gifts. He made clear that every Christian is spiritual and the Spirit of God provides gifts to all for the common good.
We are sometimes challenged when discussing societal responsibilities and the need to care for all people. Conversations about social justice issues in a world of political correctness, cancel culture and wokeness are tough, but silence threatens the security of a healthy society.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a great source of information concerning our beliefs. In paragraphs 1905-1906 it reads: In keeping with the social nature of man, the good of each individual is necessarily related to the common good, which in turn can be defined only in reference to the human person. By common good is to be understood “the sum total of social conditions, which allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.”
Paragraphs 1907-1909 continue: The common good concerns the life of all. There are three essential elements to consider. First, respect for the person — public authorities are bound to respect the fundamental rights of the human person. Society must allow each member to fulfill his vocation, and to act according to a sound norm of conscience and to safeguard privacy, and rightful freedom also in matters of religion. Second, the common good requires the social well-being and development of the group itself. Making accessible to each what is needed to lead a truly human life. Finally, the common good requires peace that is, the stability and security of just order. Is our world ordered by God’s measure?
These common sense statements from the catechism are meant for instruction, yet in our confused society interpretation is often questioned. However, the teachings of Jesus in scripture tell us exactly what the duty of a Christian believer should be. “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34).
The decline of marriage is an ignored national crisis — marriage is a vocation — a call to holiness, accepting precious life to build up your family and the Kingdom of God. On the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, we attended Saturday evening Mass at St. Rose of Lima in Franklin, Indiana. Valentine’s Day was also coming and the parish planned a surprise at the end of Mass to highlight the gift of love. Father Tim DeCrane invited all married couples to stand. It was amazing to see very few people sitting. He began the countdown — those married five years, ten years and so on were asked to sit down. My husband and I, married for almost 49 years, remained until there were four couples standing — each married over 60 years. The winners were married 67 years! We received a special blessing recognizing the importance of the vocation of marriage — a beautiful witness of God’s plan for a just and ordered life.
For the common good of all people ... pray for wisdom, and for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on this world. During this Lenten Season, where sacrificial love is clearly defined for us, please use your gifts from God to enlighten one another! Amen!