Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 328 – Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 328 – Part II. What can the individual contribute to the common good?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Working for the common good means assuming responsibility for others.    

A deepening through CCC

(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).

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The common good must be the business of everyone. This happens first of all when men get involved in their particular surroundings—family, neighborhood, workplace—and take responsibility. It is important also to exercise social and political responsibility. Someone who assumes this sort of responsibility, however, wields power and is always in danger of misusing that power. Therefore, everyone in a position of responsibility is called upon to engage in an ongoing process of conversion, so that he can exercise that responsibility for others in lasting justice and charity.

(CCC Comment)

(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).  

(This question: What can the individual contribute to the common good? is continued)