A crucial component of Catholic thinking is the fundamental concept of the common good. The Catechism, following Pope Saint John XXIII in Mater et Magistra and Vatican II, defines the common good as “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.”

Presuming we have opted for Jesus, Ignatius offers two additional meditations during the Second Week, Three Kinds of People and Three Kinds of Humility. They are intended to help us recognize the depth of our commitment to active discipleship with Jesus. This article addresses the meditation on Three Kinds of People.

The clearest statement on taxes and their morality came in the US Bishops’ pastoral on Economic Justice for All. The bishops urged that, “The tax system should be continually evaluated in terms of its impact on the poor.”

A Meditation on Two Standards is the peak moment of the Exercises. It is in this exercise that Ignatius asks us to choose between two foundational stances towards life: The Standard of Satan or The Standard of Christ. In opting for one we will find ourselves in direct opposition to, and in conflict with, the other.

With millions unemployed in this economy, it is important to understand how Catholic social thought considers unemployment. It is not just another “economic indicator.” Unemployment undermines a just society since work is at the heart of the social question.

The Second Week builds to a moment of profound decision. We will be asked to decide whether or not we will commit to following Jesus in his mission on behalf of the unfinished work of the kingdom of God.