Missionary message for the 11th of February 2022
By Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB
General Councillor for Missions
RMG, 11 February 2022 -- Authentic development is complete or ‘integral’ if it promotes the cultural, economic, political, social and spiritual good of the whole person, making every person “more human” and in solidarity with the members of the human family. It is grounded in an understanding that every human is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1, 27). This radically shifts the development paradigm from one in which aid, charity, or service, flows from the rich “givers” to the poor “recipients,” to involving every person in recognising the human dignity of each and in promoting the common good and solidarity.
The Gospel enlightens us that the root of all evil is in every human heart. Thus, integral human development necessarily includes the fostering of conversion of the human mind and heart. If the inhuman inclinations of the human heart are not made wholesome even the most ideal system soon becomes inhuman. Unjust structures are the fruits of personal sins and the root cause of conflicts. This leads us to struggle against situations and structures which reduce the human person into sub-human conditions, particularly women, youth and children.
By becoming human Christ has united himself to every human person. Hence, the human person is the way of the Church. Thus, all the work of the Church is engaged in promoting integral human development (Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 11). However, one need not be Catholic, or Christian, or with explicit faith to foster integral human development (John Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 37).
In contexts where we cannot proclaim the gospel, we bear witness to our Christian faith by promoting the realisation of one’s full human potential as well as respect for human dignity, solidarity and the integrity of creation. Our Salesian work to foster integral human development is inspired by a deep faith in and love for Jesus Christ. Anything less would reduce us to mere social workers or an NGO!
In many contexts in our EAO Region the explicit proclamation of the Gospel is not possible. Our social works become truly evangelising when we ensure that they truly foster the integral human development of our recipients
Questions for Reflection and Sharing
1. How can I promote Integral Human development as a way of proclaiming the Gospel?
2. How can I foster the conversion of heart as core of Integral Human Development?
