As many in the West, particularly the U.S., celebrate Memorial Day today, though we may differ on what justifies sending troops into combat, and though we may debate how a war should be fought, we can agree, I think, to be grateful for those who, whether through conscription or voluntarism, put themselves on the line for people, people like you and me, people they may never meet or know, for what is, in retrospect, most of the time, the greater good of the planet.
     As countless religions attest, we grow not through seeking our welfare but that of others.  Over and above it all, we are called to seek the common good.