Live a Just Life...!

The author of the Book of Wisdom encouraged the people to live a just life, not only for the sake of building a peaceful society here on earth but also because "the life of the just is in the hand of God." It is but natural to say, "Live a just life."However, the reality is just the opposite, as unjust structures, established by men control the lives of the people in a society, besides our individual inclinations and failure to live a just life.

How did humanity arrive at such a scheme of deception? It is natural for men to live justly, but it has also become very normal for men to conduct his affairs unjustly. It indicates an inner conflict caused by unwarranted forces of false desire to be a slave of power and wealth, which is unnatural to humankind. Such a dichotomy within the individual personality breeds ill-effects on society.

Charity is good, but justice is noble. Denying justice is not only taking away from a person what belongs to him/her but betraying his/her rights and denying his/her dignity as a child of God. In every circumstance of sin, there is a violation of justice and charity. Therefore, it is only for us to delve deeper into our being, in order to hear the natural voice calling us to live a just life.

Prophet Amos confronts the people of God, who have defiled their relationship with God and neighbor by conducting their business in an unworthy manner. The chosen people sought every opportunity to cheat the poor and the vulnerable of t society to amass wealth for themselves. The Lord swears it by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a single thing you have done."

You can be the slave of God and of money." Therefore, it is imperative to listen to our inner voice inviting us to live a just life to build the Kingdom of God. At the same time, being aware that God sometimes tempers justice with mercy, not to deny righteousness, but for wholeness and holiness. Let us seek His forgiveness and promote peace and justice. ( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. Pastor, St. Timothy Church )