Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 327 – Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 327 – Part III. How can the common good be promoted?

(Youcat answer - repeated) The common good follows wherever the fundamental rights of the person are respected and men can freely develop their intellectual and religious potential. The common good implies that men can live in society with freedom, peace, and security. In an age of globalization, the common good must also acquire a worldwide scope and allow for the rights and duties of all mankind.   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1912) The common good is always oriented towards the progress of persons: "The order of things must be subordinate to the order of persons, and not the other way around" (GS 26 § 3). This order is founded on truth, built up in justice, and animated by love. (CCC 1925) The common good consists of three essential elements: respect for and promotion of the fundamental rights of the person; prosperity, or the development of the spiritual and temporal goods of society; the peace and security of the group and of its members.

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) The common good is best served where the good of the individual person and of the smaller units of society (for instance, the family) is central. The individual and the smaller social unit need to be protected and promoted by the stronger power of State institutions.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1927) It is the role of the state to defend and promote the common good of civil society. The common good of the whole human family calls for an organization of society on the international level.   

(The next question is:  What can the individual contribute to the common good?)