Let Justice and Peace Flow!

• Leann D’Souza and Jane D’Souza (Don Bosco Green Alliance)

Justice will flow!

I can recount the moments when injustice was done to me. Deep down, these experiences make us believe that we will not always be treated with fairness and justice. They get us used to unjust situations and often leave us feeling helpless.

 After such experiences, I began to question whether restoration is possible. We can't turn back time to erase those negative experiences; sometimes, the memories linger, altering our perceptions and beliefs about the world.

 So, can there be justice in such situations? I believe that in due time, God upholds righteousness and restores all that has been lost. At times, although it may seem that much has been lost, the Lord has shown me that what has been taken can be restored through His great and mighty power. This is reflected in Isaiah 51:4, “Pay attention to me, my people; listen to me, my nation, for teaching will go out from me, my justice, as a light to the nations.”

 The God of Justice does not just leave us when we are oppressed. He restores our health and heals our wounds,'  (Jeremiah 30:17)

 Isaiah 55:11

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

 Whatever God intends to achieve through His word, whether it's the fulfillment of a promise, the execution of a plan, or the revelation of His truth, it will be accomplished without fail. Trusting in his word we know that justice will be delivered to us. For he is the Lord of light who brings salvation to his people.

 John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

 When we walk hand in hand with the God of Justice and believe in him, it brings many graces, favors, gifts, miracles and countless opportunities come our way in order  for us to grow and live life to the fullest.

 Even if we've experienced instances of injustice, let us be patient in trials, for we know that "weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

 Called to Act Justly

The Lord is just, and yet He is also merciful. He calls us to practice justice with mercy. We are called to practice this justice not just with our fellow brothers and sisters but also with all of creation.

As scripture says in Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good;  and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

 The call to act justly is a noble call and those who listen to this call and walk in the way of justice are noble and righteous in the sight of God and men.

 Pope Francis insists that justice requires truth, trust, loyalty and purity of intention; and that the call to administer justice is a gift and a duty at the service of human dignity and the common good. This holds true not only for judges at an administrative level of society but also for every human being who has a solemn duty to partake in the fair movement of justice.

 In so many ways we can contribute to a just economy by sharing our talents, things and services to others. Pope Francis once said that throwing away food is like stealing from the table of those who are poor and hungry. When we are careful with our consumption patterns, we contribute to a just society. We are mindful of those around us and those who are not fortunate enough. This opens avenues for sharing with the poor and the needy.

  Volunteering is an excellent way to partake in a just economy. Giving back to society gives us happiness. “The people who uphold justice, who always do what is right, are truly happy!” -Psalm 106:3 When we contribute to society in a cause that benefits the community, we provide an opportunity for the growth of everyone involved in the cause.  As Pope Francis stated - “Being a volunteer who helps others is a choice that makes us free; it opens us to other people’s needs — to the demands of justice, to the defense of the poor, to the care of creation,”.

 Let us then be aware of the weight of responsibility that is on our shoulders. Everyone is individually and collectively responsible for justice being executed impartially in their everyday lives. By this, we transform the world around us and give way for a peaceful environment to live in.

 Amos 5:24 - “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”