QUALITY OF LIFE
“In the 21st century, I think the heroes will be the people who will improve the quality of life, fight poverty and introduce more sustainability.” – Bertrand Piccard
Change is something desirable, yet it becomes a source of anxiety when it causes harm to the world and to the quality of life of much of humanity. (Pope Francis, LS #18)
The growth of the past two centuries has not always led to an integral development and an improvement in the quality of life. (Pope Francis, LS #46)
Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption. (Pope Francis, LS #222)
“You will show me the path of life, in your presence the fullness of joy, at your right hand happiness for ever and ever.” (Psalm 16:11, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: Living a quality life symbolizes a life of Heaven on Earth where justice, freedom and equality reign. The quality of life starts with the inner peace of the self and is radiated towards others. In this way, freedom is respected which is in line with our response to the commandment: “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” If there is love, there is care and therefore there is respect and peace among all. The quality of life means enjoying all the benefits of creation and not wasting them which is an important challenge in life.
Key Statement: Quality of life means enjoying all the benefits of creation and not wasting them.
Personal Challenge: I believe that the quality of life is deserved by all.
PRAYER
God of light and life, we thank You for the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful creation. May we experience the best quality of life here on earth. We thank You for the challenge to further improve the quality of life. Guide us to work for progress not at the expense of our fellowmen and the rest of the creatures who co-habit with us, but towards a decent way of living. May the actions we take rejuvenate the earth, and bring us to a deeper appreciation of the meaning of life and love. Amen.
ROMANO M. BULATAO is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. He completed his AB Philosophy in 1990 at the Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC), Quezon City; MA Religious Studies in 2003, and MA Philosophy in 2014, both in SLU; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) – SAMCC in 2021. Mr. Bulatao served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU (2006-2009); and President of the Kapatirang Claretiano Inc. – Pangasinan Chapter (KCI-PC), since 2011. He is the author of the book entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z published in 2009; translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020 by the Claretian Publications. ((romanobulatao@yahoo.com)
