Justice
This post first appeared on my Instagram in May of 2020. It is the third of nine posts in my Virtue Series.
The word justice has always held a negative connotation for me, calling to mind a cranky old judge or an unruly mob. But that isn't true justice. Justice by definition, must include mercy. Jesus Christ, Lord of our hearts, holds justice and mercy in perfect balance. “The measure you give, will be the measure you receive." Matthew 7:2
JUSTICE is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. - CCC 1807
Justice is intrinsically linked to our relationships with God (virtue of religion), our family (filial piety), and our national leaders or other lawful authority (respect). .
Justice, unlike the other cardinal virtues, isn’t the middle ground between two vices, rather it sits in perfect opposition to injustice. Forms of injustice include disrespect, theft, harm, corruption, gossip, ridicule, defamation, and greed.
Ways I have struggled with justice lately:
•neglected to give God the prayer and sacrifices due to Him
•disrespected (mentally, but still) others for their beliefs
•disrespected rightful authority, at times in front of my children 💔😬 .
Ways I will hone the virtue of justice in myself:
•prioritizing prayer and scripture reading •listening respectfully to my husband and family members, especially when we are at odds
•sharing my wealth and belongings with others
•refraining from speaking ill of others
•using charity when speaking out against injustice when I discern that the Lord is calling me to do so
Final thoughts on justice: I noticed while researching the virtue of justice that all the language is directed at the *other.* “Giving what is due to God and neighbor.” When I consider the times I have demanded justice lately, however, it has been for myself. I don’t believe it’s wrong to speak out against injustice against oneself, but I also think I often look too far afield when I’m demanding it. How just am *I*? In what ways can *I* grow in the virtue of justice?
One final note from paragraph 23 of Quas Primas, the encyclical that instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925:
“If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, as instruments of justice unto God.”
Short video below, and then tell me your thoughts on the virtue of justice in the comments!
