The Virtue Series: Justice Part 1

The Virtue Series: Justice Part 1

Explaining Justice.

Welcome again to my The Virtue Series: ‘The Virtues.'

This weekly series has a twofold focus, exploring in depth
1. What are the moral and theological virtues?

2. How these virtues may be practised in our lives.

If you have missed my previous posts in this series, why not explore them. You will find them in the faith nurturing category.  Let us continue on our journey as we now explore the virtue of Justice. Let us consider what is the virtue of Justice and why is it important in the Christian life?  

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Justice as:

"the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbour...The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbour'(para 1607).

In the New Covenant, Jesus established the standard of justice on how we are to treat our neighbour, which are:

·                    

·         Mathew 5:21-22:  We are not to harm, insult or be angry with our neighbour.

·         Matthew 5:38-42: We are called to respond to injustice with kindness.

·         Romans 13:7-10:  We are to love our neighbour as ourselves.

 The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights that anger is an emotion and in itself is not wrong or sinful, but when it is not controlled by reason, or becomes hardened into resentment or hate, it becomes a sin against the fifth commandment 'Thou shall not kill'. Paragraphs 1765, 1866, 2262, 2302 provide further food for thought on this issue.  

PRACTISING THE VIRTUE OF JUSTICE.

Practising the virtue of Justice on a natural level without grace operating would entail a simple exchange of what is due and a proportionate response for wrongdoing.

Jesus reminds us 'be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect'. From the Christian perspective, Jesus requires us to go beyond the call of duty through the power of His love in us.  His commandments, as summed up by the commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves, require grace.  Grace given by God when we ask Him in prayer will be our travelling companion on this pilgrim journey. Grace will enable us to reach the goal of Justice, which is to act towards God and others as He desires.

Practising Justice means:

·          Habitually giving another person what is due such as being respectful, courteous and honest with our dealings with others.

·         Presupposing that others have rights and that we actually owe someone something religious freedom, a fair wage).

The origin of human rights and dignity as highlighted in Genesis 1:26-30 is confirmed by God since we are made in the image of likeness of God.

Next week, let us examine how we can apply the virtue of Justice in our lives as we explore further:

·                     How do we render to God what is His due?

·                     How do we pay our debt?

·                     Why do we need reconciliation?  

·                     How is generosity linked to the moral virtue of Justice?

As we travel on our pilgrim journey this week, may we practice Justice in our lives.