For the purpose of this discussion on justice, it must be recognized that justice isn’t about punishment or retribution but about restoring harmony, fairness and dignity to all. How can we contribute to working toward a more just society?
Justice must begin with truth. This would involve seeking out facts and being willing to confront uncomfortable situations such as calling out stereotypes and having the courage to question systemic injustice in our structures and institutions, and support policies committed to fairness and equality.
To assist us in acting in a just manner, we must step out of our comfort zones and into the experiences of others. In St. Edith Stein’s work on “Empathy”, she explains that empathy is a unique intentional state where we directly experience another person’s emotions and mental state as if they were our own essentially being present with them. In other words, empathy should allow us to experience another person’s experience. Understanding another person’s struggles allows us to share in their burdens and be active in helping with them.
Living for a more just world is a continuous process that calls us to be humble, courageous, and compassionate. Justice is a pursuit that should align us with God, who, in Scripture, is often described as a God of justice and mercy. Justice must also be rooted in love—it transforms justice from a duty to a joy and fosters peace. As the Carmelite tradition teaches, love is the foundation for any real transformation in the world.
In summary, justice requires honest reflection on the social, economic, and political structures affecting all of us, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Let me end with a question for all of us by Richard Rohr, OFM, the Franciscan Friar:
The question is no longer “How can I maintain my special and secure status?” but “How can we all grow and change together?”
