... to change life

69. Gradually freed of fears and purely material ambitions and enlightened as to the possible consequences of their own actions, wherever they may be, those welcoming the presence of God in every aspect of life will become artisans of the civilisation of love. Working discreetly and in depth, their work will take on the character of a mission in which their talents must be exercised and developed. A mission where they are called to contribute towards reforming structures and institutions. This exemplary behaviour will then encourage their neighbours to do likewise and to be essentially devoted to serving the dignity of all men and women and their common good.

The circumstances of life are such that some consider this attitude toward work to be impossible. But experience has shown that even in situations of apparent stalemate, people always have a tiny margin to manoeuvre, and their choices have a real significance for those working near them and for the common good. To a certain extent one might say that every man and woman is responsible for everyone else(⁹⁴). This is one of the aspects of God's call to love, which never ceases to resound. It is the responsibility of everyone, under what are often difficult circumstances and may even cause suffering to the point of martyrdom, to draw on the strength of God who promises us help if we place him at the very centre of our lives, including our active lives.

"Take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you" (Hag. 2:4-5). The Christian then becomes a combatant against the "structures of sin" and even their agent of destruction. This will ensure that anything that hampers social and economic development will be less widespread. In regions where Christians lead men and women of goodwill with courage and determination, poverty can be halted in its tracks, consumption habits can be changed, reforms implemented, solidarity can flourish and hunger recede.