Searching in all the Wrong Places

            There appears to be a paradox; the more developed the world becomes the more evil it becomes. The Council Fathers in Gadium et Spes correctly note that just as man has made many advances in recent years the modern world remains in need of great reform. Man, however often looks in all the wrong places to find that reform. In an era, marked by great scientific advances man often searches for the better world apart from God. Many people, including many faithful Catholics ask how their can be so much war, hunger, and injustice in a world that is so technologically advanced.

             As much as man desires to do the good he is weak and susceptible to sin. Men and women growing up in our western culture have bought into the American dream; a belief that man can pull himself up by his bootstraps. This position ultimately leads not to success but rather to despair. As long as man continues to rely solely on man he will end up a failure. It is only through the assistance of Christ, who suffered and died for humanity, that the world can be transformed. While man desires to do the good, he simply cannot do it on his own without Divine assistance.

            The faithful need to be catechized to realize that the key to a better world rests in man’s cooperation with Christ. The Holy Father, in calling for a year of faith, has called for man to integrate his faith into all the action of his life. When one approaches development in the world with the eyes of faith he is lead to solutions which are for the betterment of the world.

            While thinking about solutions with the eyes of faith is essential for a better world it is not enough. Simply thinking with the eyes of faith is still a human approach. In addition to thinking with the eyes of faith Catholics must not neglect the importance of prayer. Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit and it is through the graces offered by the Holy Spirit that man will be able to cooperate with God to bring about much needed change in our world.

            It is only when man stops looking inward to him and starts living his faith out in his life that the world will see true development. Man, if he cooperates with God’s grace, can bring about a transformation in this world.