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

YOUCAT Question n. 328 – Part III. 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 1917) It is incumbent on those who exercise authority to strengthen the values that inspire the confidence of the members of the group and encourage them to put themselves at the service of others. Participation begins with education and culture. "One is entitled to think that the future of humanity is in the hands of those who are capable of providing the generations to come with reasons for life and optimism" (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 1918) "There is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God" (Rom 13:1).   

(The next question is: How does social justice come about in a society?)