Promoting the Power of Goodness

There are many forms of goodness. There are as many as there are individuals. The number of individuals in the world today is 8 billion, more or less. That means it is possible to have 8 billion forms of goodness. Why is this so?

The reason is because each individual is born with innate goodness. If we assume that everyone is physically healthy, spiritually motivated and morally free, then the possibility of countless forms of goodness is real.

In reality we observe at least two categories of these forms: ordinary and extraordinary. The ordinary forms, which are many, do not attract and move. They have no power to call our attention, to say the least. They are almost always taken for granted.

The extraordinary forms of goodness do attract and move people because they have power; they create an impact; they captivate the beholder or the observer. Why?

Because there is truth and beauty in it. Truth, Goodness and Beauty are the so-called classic Transcendentals. One cannot exist without the other; they are interrelated. Pope Francis in his papal exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel n. 142) says, “…truth goes hand in hand with beauty and goodness”. They have the naturally built-in power of attraction and fascination. Supernaturally, they are the essential attributes of God who is Truth, Goodness and Beauty Herself/Himself.

The other sources of goodness-power are the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism and Confirmation. The former makes us children of God and consequently ‘other christs’ through anointing or christening;  the latter empowers us to communicate our personal goodness, our being good news individually. Christ in us is the essential content or kerygma of our communication, our evangelizing mission.

Seven years ago, I organized a small group of professionals to join me in promoting the power of goodness. We called ourselves Goodness Exchange Team. The group includes ONB president Alex Buenaventura, PNB regional manager Leonilla “Baby” Coquilla, construction engineer Nicole Fernandez, IT specialist Nancy Bullecer (now deceased), and Davao Catholic Herald editor Fr. Ritsche Gamaya. Later National Coordinator of the Secular Daughters of Saint Anne Ms. Lou Q. Solijon joined us. Recently DACS executive director Jimmy Loe de la Vega was invited as a new member.

Through the internet we made unsuccessful attempts to promote the power of goodness. We tried to show that celebrities like Manny Pacquiao and former president Joseph Estrada, even though their moral life was questionable, could move and touch people with extraordinary acts of goodness. We also tried to find out today’s youth’s main concern and help them make it public. No success in these efforts.

Now it seems we are getting the attention of people. We are finally succeeding. A month ago we informed the parshes and schools through tarpaulin posters that we are awarding the best short story about the power of goodness with 10,000 cash prize. Thirteen entries were received in our email address (<goodnessteam2005@gmail.com). More are being received.

Last Sunday, June 1, Feast of the Lord’s Ascension, we awarded the best short story of Arvin V. Ortiz, a high school teacher at the Holy Cross of Davao College, who wrote about the impact on him of his mother’s making a special “biko” and selling it on Sundays outside of St. Mary’s Church in Buhangin   for several years. The “biko” proceeds paid for their schooling and family needs.

The simple ceremony held during the fiesta Mass  of the Ascension parish in GSIS, Matina, which I presided, was our group’s contribution to the parochial celebration of the 48th World Communication Sunday which is always held on the feast of the Lord’s Ascension. Arvin received the Plaque of Recognition and the 10,000 pesos cash in the presence of the Goodness Exchange Team.