Matthew 10

We don’t believe that a person can live without society. It is not only against our social nature but also unrealistic. There will be no drinking water system or a sewage system, or a road network if there is no community effort. The social nature of man is not external but integral to human beings. Thus, happiness, also, cannot be absolutely individualistic. True happiness has a social and communal aspect.

In terms of Christianity, this communal aspect of happiness is realized in unity and communion. True happiness comes in the union with the Lord and the communion of all saints. And these union and communion should begin here on earth. From the beginning of creation, the Lord always called his people as a community. He never teaches an individualistic way to salvation. I cannot exercise the greatest commandment of love if there is no one else other than me. Salvation comes through and within relationships. If someone thinks he can be saved while everyone else is damned, that salvation would be so lonely.

In both readings today, the Scripture speaks of communal salvation and damnation. To welcome the Good News is not and should not be individualistic. The Good News is meant to be shared and spread in society. If we accepted the gospel messages but never shared with others, we have not truly received it. Even if we confess that we are Christians but our society is not run on the Good News, our confession is not genuine.

Many social issues in our times indicate our deficiency in the Christian integrity. They are not external problems in society but reflect our lack of Christian commitment. All of us Christians have a duty to make our society a better place. Christians must fight evils in society. This is how we bring the Good News, heal people, and cast out unclean spirits.