Who am I supposed to listen to?

Week 4: Call to Family, Community, and Participation

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We long to belong. 

That belonging starts in the family. Within the family, we learn what it means to have a place and a purpose. But our family is larger than we think. 

Every person is a child of God. Together, we are one family. 

Saint Paul reminds us that although we are many parts, we are united in one Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12). God calls us not as individuals, but as a people, a family, united in the bonds of love (Eph 4:1-6). 

So what responsibilities come with being a part of the family of God? 

We have an obligation to the community we live in. We are called to support, comfort, and care for those in our community. We uphold each other’s human dignity. And we participate politically. 

The USCCB reminds us that participation in political life is a moral obligation. “How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity.” When we participate politically, we impact the rights and opportunities of our neighbors, friends, and everyone in our nation. 

Everyone has a right to participate in how society functions, regardless of status, age, race, ethnicity, or gender. We are called to consider the common good of the community over the interests of a few. 

It takes everyone. 

Saint John XXIII wrote that “the attainment of the common good is the sole reason for the existence of civil authorities” (Pacem in Terris). 

We all need to participate in making a healthy and just society—to ensure all members have a decent life and the ability to realize their full potential as children of God. 

We have a responsibility to care for all the people of earth, because we are all one family of God. 

I don’t always get along with the people in my family, but I love them. As children of God, we must do the same with our family of God. 

“Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters” (1 Jn 4:21). 

Holy Spirit, be our compass and help us to love each other, especially in these times of turmoil and divisiveness. 

What does the good of the whole community look like? 
What can I do to make sure our society benefits everyone? 

Let’s spend this week thinking about it. 

Modern Catholic explores the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and how they can guide our lives today. Join us next week to learn about the third principle—Rights and Responsibilities. 

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