My Son David's Short Article on Justice

Let Justice Prevail: in ourselves and in our community

Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 (474 words)

In this reading, the prophet Amos speaks to Israel about "justice" in conduct and in practice. Scholars agree that chapter 5 in particular addresses two things: an unjust and corrupt legal system, and superficial worship.

In verses 14-15, Amos warns, "Seek good and not evil, that you may live. Then truly will the Lord, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim! Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate..." Every court in the world strives to pursue the ideal known as "justice." If we try to define justice, the words "equality" and "fairness" come to mind. When thinking of God's justice, "fairness" is not far off. Justice is "the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give one's due to God and to neighbor." (CCC 1807) With this definition from the Catechism of the Catholic Church in mind, "fairness" manifests itself in giving what is due to God and to our brethren. Justice is not about judgment, it is about action.

For to God, justice is closely linked with love. Therefore, we should not seek retribution as in the Mosaic law. We are not to be the ones who will judge. God alone can do that. Rather, we must act justly: to "let justice prevail," (Amos 5:15) we must order ourselves towards what is good. We must be a people of love. When wronged, we must "turn the other cheek." When we see a person in need, we must be the Good Samaritan.

In terms of community life within BLD, we must practice forgiveness, fraternal correction, and always support each other with love. We must encourage each other to grow in faith and in love. We must show our love for all of creation by being good stewards of the earth, by loving all our brethren, and by serving them. Doing this shows that we "hate evil and love good."

Finally, we must do so humbly. In verses 21-24, Amos addresses the superficial worship of the Israelites. Amos 5:21 states that God "spurns our feasts and our offerings" that are made without good conduct. God sees through superficial acts. As worshippers of the Almighty God, we must worship in spirit and in truth, meaning that there is substance behind our profession that God is truly the Lord over every aspect of our lives.

The reality is that the Lord, who is good, cannot be with us if we are sinful, unjust, unloving. Therefore, we can know God is among us if we are a community at peace, one where our actions are loving. When our actions show our love for God, for each other, and for creation, we "let justice prevail." And the promise is this: the Lord will be among us, and His presence will make this community shine.

(About Dave de la Fuente: Our youngest child, he attends Fordham University - Lincoln Center Campus - where he will be a junior this coming fall, majoring in Theology and Political Science. He loves to praise and worship the Lord, enjoys interacting with people, and has a servant's heart. He will be traveling to Australia for 3 weeks beginning on July 2 as part of a Fordham contingent who will do community service and attend the World Youth Day. He is also attending the Jesuit Leadership Conference in Seattle in early August.)