DEVELOPMENT
“Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies.” – Joseph E. Stiglitz
Authentic human development has a moral character. It presumes full respect for the human person, but it must also be concerned for the world around us and “take into account the nature of each being and of its mutual connection in an ordered system.” (Pope Francis, LS #5)
“God who provides the sower with seed will also provide him with the bread he eats. He will multiply the seed for you and also increase the fruits of your good works.” (2 Corinthians 9:10, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: Life must be geared towards development and progress. However, there is a need to balance everything and to weigh the consequences of such decision for improvement. In our experience, the word “development” is being abused because some people has been using this word for their selfish interests. The challenge therefore is that, people must exert effort to critically know and understand the real meaning of development to arrive at a deeper understanding of what development is. We need to be guided by this simple thought, “We must love human persons and not to use them, use the things of the earth, but not to abuse them.” True development, therefore, pertains to a particular change for the good of the human person and the environment, as well.
Key Statement: True development pertains to a particular change for the good of the human person and the environment as well.
Personal Challenge: I will participate in the process of development for the good of humanity and environment.
PRAYER
Loving God, forgive us for the injustices we commit against creation. May we come together to plan development with respect to nature and to provide a just distribution of resources. Lord, help us to be a part of the restoration and nurturance of our environment. 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)
