Posted on by Michael J. Cunningham

My Common Good

My Common Good 

OK, so now I’m going to go into some dangerous countryside. The common good. Since the 3rd century, the common good has been a guide in Catholic/Christian social teaching. There are many scriptural references to all of this, which I will not dive into for this short reflection. For the most part, it can be tied to the great commandment love God and love one another and your neighbor as yourself. So that desire to be treated equally is a fundamental tenant of the common good. 

However, Christianity does not have a monopoly on the common good by any means. In pre-Christian times Aristotle promoted the common good as something that should be part of the political system and the way that society operated. That everyone should have some goodness in their lives, not just existence. In a society that had masters and slaves, you can see that the common good or any equality associated with the common good would be difficult to implement unless the political system supported it. However, I digress.

When we look at the common good as a general phrase, outside perhaps the definitions given to us by theologians and spiritual leaders, many people make up their definition of being just and fair. If something seems to be to the common good for me then perhaps it’s reasonable to share it with others. However, this often leads us to consider what we think is fair to become the common good for all. 

Now of course many other things associated with the common good are written into law, culture, behavior, and tradition. They’re woven inextricably into that environment regardless of where that is, so one person’s common good or one nation’s common good may be very different from each other.

This can apply to dress codes, cultural behavior, tableside manners and all manner of protocols considered to be acceptable. We bring a lot of things to the table when we think about the common good and can be judgmental if we see someone moving outside the norms of acceptable behavior, acceptable behavior to us that is. We then perhaps place those people outside us, in some way, shape, or form.

Nevertheless, there is some solidarity when it comes to the common good. For examples what are my rights, and if I have those rights, should you not have those rights as well? And whether I use those rights or not, and should they be protected? Perhaps even by me even if I’m not using them? These are big questions.

This goes to the heart of the common good, the maintenance of dignity. My dignity and the dignity of those around us. And that dignity is only retained by our interdependence on each other, we need more than one person to support the common good. The common good of one forced on others is merely an autocracy. Perhaps even a dictatorship.

So shared conditions, such as rules, norms, and morality even, that support this dignity and interdependence are what differentiate us. It allows us to be able to operate in a safer, controlled, and more humane environment. So, our duties and responsibilities to follow these shared conditions, rules, norms, and morality in favor of the common good determine how it’s maintained. 

Certain aspects of the common good are maintained by the legal system or a code of ethics that may be associated with religious belief, such as Catholic social teaching for example. Where the code of conduct respects everyone regardless of their ability to contribute because of age, illness, or some other factor. We are measured by how we treat the poorest and weakest in our society, not how we reward the strongest or the richest.

This meandering discussion into what the common good is presents us with an exploration of what is my common good. And is my common good different than what should be the common good for all? Pope Francis has been one of the hugest advocates of the common good throughout his papacy. Telling us to minister support and care for the weakest and most needy in our society; for it is here we’ll find the reward for the common good. The reward which is God’s grace. God’s love. Expressed by us as the Body of Christ.

If someone asks us in the street, or in our family, what do we mean by the common good? Or what does the common good mean to us? What would we say? How do we contribute to the common good? Do we defend it? Do we practice it? What are the exceptions to the common good? Are there any exceptions to it? 

Exploring these questions may answer the title of this reflection. 

My common good is …. 

And then we can ask the really hard question. Is it good enough?




Reflection Copyright 2024 Michael J. Cunningham OFS

Posted on by Michael J. Cunningham

The Sacred Space Within

The Sacred Space Within – Our own Garden 

The words sacred space are used frequently. Often to define a physical location, somewhere where we have a special connection, a mystical relationship that while cannot be articulated, is known and understood. 

Many of these sacred spaces are secret to us as well. They don’t just have to be physical spaces, it could be a photograph an old letter, or something from a loved one who has passed. It’s a big spectrum.

Each one of these places is made sacred by ourselves, or by association. One of the most sacred spaces for many is a cemetery. The cemetery is not just a giant sacred garden, holding the remains of loved ones, and perhaps some unloved ones, under care and safety; it is a place of solace.  Each one of these places it’s not just sacred because it is a cemetery or graveyard, but because it holds something special for us. The remains and memories of a loved one can be revisited, and the relationship with that person renewed in some way or at least remembered. It’s a shrine of sorts.

There are many examples of these sacred spaces in our world, but one of the places which is the most sacred space is often ignored;  or at least misunderstood. That is the sacred space within. Each of us has the divine dwelling vibrantly within us. There are many references both theological and experiential to prove this point. In the short reflection, I’m not going to go there. Let’s just accept that God made us in his image and therefore the divinity of God resides within us. Even if we don’t feel it always. 

For those of us who perhaps don’t accept that, there is still a holy longing driving everyone in the world looking for that inner peace, this holy sanctum within where we are not rocked by every issue in the world; or experience encountered.

In search of this inner peace, we spend a huge amount of time looking outside. Identifying people, methods, techniques, faith paths, advice and counseling to find a way forward. To go deeper. Well, there’s nothing wrong with this outward-looking perspective, but we can miss the whole picture. We can become a jumble of opinions, beliefs, and rituals, that show everyone else who we are, yet not recognizing ourselves.

So, I would like you to think, just for a moment, of yourself not being mobile. I mean your true self. The one that’s within that many don’t really know that well. The one that perhaps we don’t know that well. One way of doing this is to think of ourselves as something static rather than doing all the visiting around the world, where we’re entering their space. Rather they are entering our space. 

For a moment, think of yourself as a garden. A place where people can enter and see all the things and characteristics that are you; by the things that are in the garden. The items that are truly you. This is the place, an interior place, where we can truly explore what’s happening in our lives. What the effect of the rain and the storms, and the sunshine, and the new growth, and the old all reside together. Happily, in this space. This internal sacred space is our soul. 


Visit this space once in a while, explore what’s there and you will not find others’ opinions or handouts. You will find what you have taken from all the others and internalized, is then made yours. This is the place where when you take the photographs, they are not of someone else, they are of you. The person you have become, the person you are becoming with new growth, different seasons. The parts that are under repair and the ones that are blooming. They are all you. Not someone else. This is you; this is your essence. This is the unique and eternal soul that only you have and own. Even if you have never visited your garden. Perhaps just take a gentle stroll now and again. 


So go ahead and enter the mystery that is you alone, and see how many who have visited you, and strolled through your garden picking the fruit from trees you didn’t even know were there. 


In the garden

I am the ground

I am the flowers

I am the petals

I am the perfume

I am

I feel the rain

I feel the wind

I feel the sun

I feel

I cannot run

I cannot hide

I cannot leave

For I am Mother Earth

I am

I am nourished

I am rich

I am beauty

I am one

I am the garden

And invite visitors

And growers

And farmers

And lovers

To walk

And plant

And play

In the garden that is me

So no need to be afraid

Or build walls

Or fences

Or gates

For I am here and I am open

For all to see

And feel

For a garden cannot hide

In the new Eden

And neither can Eve

Poem, reflection and image Copyright 2024 Michael J. Cunningham OFS

Posted on by Michael J. Cunningham · 5 Comments

Loving Yourself Part II

Loving Yourself – Part 2

In the Christian tradition the great commandment in the New Testament includes the words “love your neighbor as yourself”. I want to examine this “loving yourself” in a little more detail. Do we really love ourselves? I mean it’s an easy thing to say, but most of us, myself included, tend to be pretty hard on ourselves. We spend a lot of time focusing on the issues of forgiveness, primarily forgiving others, and occasionally ourselves.

And, we see God as the source of that forgiveness. Which of course is true. However, that’s not the same as self-love. Many of us, again myself included, tend to think of loving ourselves as a selfish activity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Loving ourselves is self-care, ensuring our happiness, moving more deeply in the internal spiritual journey towards inner peace, in fact, all of the above. And yet we feel, or some of us do at least, that this self-love is a guilty pleasure not to be savored.

Perhaps another way of looking at this is thinking about being compassionate to ourselves. Often, our compassion is outward-looking, seeing the need to be loving, forgiving, compassionate, and empathetic to those in the world around us. This of course is true again. And it’s a good thing. I’m not suggesting a reduction in this category! But can we be compassionate to ourselves? If we are not nourished spiritually, we see how quickly we can become dry and disillusioned in our outlook. We need this nourishment. It’s part of an internal holy longing to be peace-filled that drives almost everyone on the planet. This desire for inner peace requires some self-love. Just as we should not reject others, we shouldn’t reject ourselves. And yet, how many of us, if we asked the question “Do we love and care for ourselves?” answer this scriptural request. Love your neighbor as yourself. With the emphasis on yourself.

Sidebar: I think part of this is that much of our faith and how we operate in the world is intended to be outgoing. That love, compassion, and understanding is broadcast through us to others. Yet, sometimes, leaving nothing for ourselves.

This is not an either-or question. That we must choose between ourselves and those around us. The neighbors. Like many things in the spiritual world it is a both-and thing. Love your neighbors as yourself.

So I’m not suggesting that we immediately start doing things to love or pamper ourselves in a way that’s just pure self-indulgence. Although a little of that on occasion doesn’t necessarily hurt us. We all need a treat. But rather we do consider loving ourselves as an essential part of our spiritual life? We often spend time loving, or at least tolerating, those around us where there is a less-than-perfect relationship in place. Why would we not do the same for ourselves?

Again, in the Christian tradition, when Jesus issued that commandment, the great commandment, to love your God and love your neighbor as yourself, there were no caveats. There were no limits on forgiveness, unconditional love, or grace.

So perhaps we should consider self-love, self-compassion, and caring for our own soul as more of a priority. Just as we take care of our bodies and our health, our soul needs this whispering love that’s there for us all. Just like the air that we breathe.

Take a little time to reflect on the good parts that reside within and then love them. For they are all from God. And they are waiting to get out into the world through you.

For you are called to be an instrument of peace and love.

A Breakfast Conversation

Me:     Good morning soul how are things today?

Soul:    Not so bad, thank you for asking.

Me:     What nourishment would you like for breakfast?

Soul:    Oh, you normally don’t ask, that’s interesting.

Me:     Hadn’t thought about it. I usually cook breakfast.

Soul:    I get hungry too you know.

Me:     I usually grab something on the way out and eat it in the car. Or I will eat later.

Soul:    I saw you were cooking for all the others. Aren’t you going to feed me?

Me:     Do you need feeding? I thought feeding the others would be enough to satisfy your cravings.

Soul:    And why would you think that? I crave you as well as the others.

Posted on by Michael J. Cunningham

A Quieter Journey

A Quieter Journey 

A few years ago I ran several new events to broaden the appeal of a retreat center to those who have not yet experienced a retreat. I know most of you reading these reflections have attended a retreat, and therefore know all too well the benefits. 

One part of attending a retreat, particularly a silent one, is quieting down to listen. It is a fact we take information when we are listening more than when we are talking. The incessant chatter which fills up many of our days makes us desire for something softer, gentler, and less noisy in our lives. A retreat offers just such an opportunity. 

Now that we are back from the retreat, how do we bring ourselves back to this quieter time? Sometimes, as we observe others talking, even jabbering, we find it irritating, others have to fill the silence with sounds that have no meaning, or at least to us. 

While some of this might be put down to our own intolerance, there is another aspect to this. The Holy Longing for meaningful interactions with others, particularly when a sculpted message has been prepared for us. 

Where are these sculpted messages in your week? The Pastor’s homily perhaps, in a prayer encounter during the week, something profound someone said to you? Our ability to listen carefully is not just a skill, but a prayer form in itself. 

I use the example reflection of The Sound Man which follows. The importance of ensuring the message is clear, unencumbered by irrelevant sounds and broadcast so we can hear it without being distracted. Let us listen this coming week for those moments where our senses were heightened as if on retreat. And listen for that small, still voice which is God calling us. 

The Sound Man

Listening with intent is the only way he knows how,

Not able to tune out the mismatches or imbalances,

Continuously adjusting the “hearing” for others,

Based on the message being broadcast.

Showing care, empathy and understanding beyond his role. 

If only I could listen and hear in this way. 

Posted on by Michael J. Cunningham

THE COMMON GOOD

The Common Good. A phrase often used but frequently misunderstood. What does the common good mean? Well depending on whether you’re looking at it from a philosophical perspective, theological perspective, or a very personal perspective you can end up looking at three very different animals. 

In many respects, in Christianity at least, the common good is the result of loving God and each other. The great commandment of the New Testament is to love God and love one another as you love yourself. This can be tricky. 

Sometimes it’s good to find definitions by looking at their opposing definitions. I would say the opposite of the common good, or rarely coincidental, is looking after #1. The common good is rarely served by just doing what you want, what benefits you, what pleases you, and what does not hurt you. Now there may be variables to that last sentence of meandering thought, but I would say it’s rare.

When we look after #1 that usually means someone around is going to be number two, three, or lower on the scale of importance. So perhaps the beginning of the common good is thinking of your fellow man or woman ever before you finalize that decision or take that action. The common good is inclusion. And its inclusion of what is best for all. Even if others don’t consider that. One example of the common good would-be law and its execution. When we have problems in the world, when someone crosses the line, at least in civil society, the law steps in. We determined that the common good is served by people not taking each other’s goods, by not hurting each other physically, or financially. And the law is there to protect us, some sort of guide for the common good. 

However the common good means more than this. The common good means making decisions and doing things with compassion, with kindness, with Care for each other. It has a particular emphasis on those who cannot help themselves easily. The needy, the sick, the troubled, the helpless. Some parts of the common good are very obvious. For example raising a child. A child cannot feed itself, at least not initially, cannot look after itself, pay for itself and therefore the expectation, in the vernacular of the common good, it’s for parents to raise the child into adulthood. And often beyond. Because our closest relations, children and siblings in particular are considered to be an obligation to practice the common good, we don’t think about it too much. We just do it.

However when we start considering those outside the fold. Those outside our family. Outside our political beliefs, outside our race or gender, Then we may not be thinking about it in the same way. It says our common good is not quite so common. But rather more specific. It is this ability or willingness to think about others, even those we don’t like, within the constraints of the common good. By having the guardrails of the common good in our society we treat each other with some consistency, some compassion, some kindness, even when we don’t feel like doing so.

Caring about those who don’t care about you can be difficult. While we don’t deliberately want to put ourselves in harm’s way, we do want others to have the same rights as we do, otherwise what sort of society would we have? 

The common good is also greatly served in our relationship with God and with others. It’s hard to be mad with others and in love with God. Our heart strives for resolution, or at least in a change in the others. 

As we enter into contemplative prayer we are opening our heart to God, but can we have it be open if we have already determined that some should have more of the common good than others? Just as we don’t want to deny others their rights or opportunities, we don’t want any limits for ourselves. As I mentioned early in this reflection the common good can be tricky. But there is an open doorway. The doorway we have found in contemplative prayer. What if others could see it? Could experience it? Now that would be something for the common good. Where we all were treated equal and there was no number one. Or if there was one, it was not me. 

Photograph and Reflection Copyright 2024 Michael J. Cunningham OFS