Justice: Parishioner Reflections on the Jubilee

...an integral part of how we see others...

"With liberty and justice for all" - not a prayer, but the last phrase of the Pledge of Alligence we memorized and recited daily as children. How does this justice differ from the justice Pope Paul VI was speaking of when he said, "If you want peace, work for justice"? Rather than limiting "justice for all" to the criminal justice system, we need to strive for justice in every aspect of life - justice for the poor, the hungry, the homeless; racial justice; justice in the labor market; third world debt.

Pope Paul VI also said, "It is not a matter of eliminating hunger, nor even reducing poverty...It is a question, rather, of building a world where every man, no matter what his race, religion or nationality, can live a fully human life, freed from servitude imposed on him... a world where freedom is not an empty word and where the poor man, Lazarus, can sit down at the same table as the rich man."

We all have our own prejudices that keep us from being able to sit at the same table, from treating people equally - for some of us that means prejudice against the poor, or those who are not well-educated, or not as smart as we think we are. For others, it means prejudice against people who don't speak our language or know our customs.

Justice is not just an issue for the business place, the government or the international arena. It is an integral part of how we see others and how we interact with each and every person in our lives.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to always remember your commandment to love each other as we love ourselves. If I am able to treat everyone whose life I touch with dignity and respect, I will be helping to build your kingdom here on earth.

Monica Craven

Next reflection >>
or         
E-mail this to a friend      

     
Go Home Go Jubilee

Revised/reviewed September 5, 2000