“Everyone is co-responsible for the common good”

The common good can be achieved from different perspectives: philosophical, economic, social, etc. I simply want to present a few elements that will help us to reflect upon the manner in which this group of young men and women, this group of young missionaries, this group known as the VMY is called to evangelize through the witness of their lives. The common good gives a dynamic to our person as we, members of the VMY, attempt to act justly in the social order. What, then, is our task in this regard?

Today we find ourselves in the midst of a society in which many people live in a selfish, individualistic manner and are only concerned about pleasure and achieving their goals, thus unmindful of the costs that others must pay as a result of their own selfish and individualistic desires. As young missionaries, what attitudes should we cultivate to counter this kind of lifestyle? It is necessary to develop actions that enable us to live a dignified life, that is, to promote in ourselves and in others those elements that will better the quality of life. Here we are not only talking about adequate housing, health care, education, food, security, etc (all of which are important and not easy to achieve). But what happens in our daily life? The challenge here is to give the best of ourselves in every situation knowing that together we make a difference; together we can create a better world.

As members of the VMY I invite all of you to reflect on those attitudes that will enable us to achieve the common good: respect, tolerance, optimism, inclusion, simplicity, prudence, collaboration, caring for the more vulnerable members of society, solidarity, praying not only with the heart but with the eyes, friendliness, awareness of one’s surrounding -in other words, living the virtues that the Association promotes and fosters. Would you add something else to this list? All of this means that it is important to become involved in activities that will foster participation, sharing, teamwork, being more human , to be better persons and better Christians. What has to be done in order to achieve all of this? If we make real that which we believe is impossible then, everyone will benefit from our presence and our activity.

Father Irving G. Amaro R., CM
Subdirector General of the VMY